B3 League Round 26 (Regular Season): Yokohama defeat Kagawa in the closest game of the week

The games are now more important than at the beginning of the Regular Season. We may still expect few shocking results in upcoming 4 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Third-ranked Five Arrows (33-11) gave a tough game to first ranked Excellence (40-4) in Yokohama on Sunday. Excellence managed to secure only one-point victory 68-67. However their fans expected easier game. Yokohama forced 23 Kagawa turnovers. 31 personal fouls committed by Kagawa helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Americans were the main players on the court. Guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) scored 24 points to lead the charge for the winners and forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) chipped in 18 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Power forward Brekkott Chapman (206-1996, college: Weber St.) responded with 19 points and 8 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Excellence have an impressive 14-game winning streak. Yokohama maintains first position with 40-4 record. Kagawa at the other side keeps the third place with 11 games lost. Yokohama are looking forward to face Tokushima Gam. (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Kagawa will play against Veertien Mie (#17) in Yokkaichi and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked United (36-8) against thirteenth ranked Pats Five (20-26) on Sunday night. Host United was defeated by Pats Five in a tough game in Tokyo 80-86. It ended at the same time the 106-game winning streak of United. American forward Blake Preston (206-2000, college: Northwestern) notched a double-double by scoring 17 points, 21 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and Antavion Collum supported him with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 21 points and 7 rebounds by South Sudanese-American center Angelo Chol (206-1993, college: SDSU) did not help to save the game for Tokyo Utd. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Yamaguchi moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Tokyo. Tokyo Utd at the other side keeps the second position with eight games lost. Yamaguchi will play against higher ranked Shinagawa (#8) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Tokyo Utd will play against Kanazawa (#15) in Ishikawa and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Yokohama. First ranked host Excellence (40-4) smashed 3rd ranked Five Arrows (33-11) 87-65. The best player for the winners was Tray Boyd III who scored 31 points and 5 rebounds. Brekkott Chapman produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Excellence have an impressive 14-game winning streak. Yokohama maintains first position with 40-4 record. Loser Five Arrows keeps the third place with 11 games lost. Yokohama will meet Tokushima Gam. (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Kagawa will play against Veertien Mie (#17) in Yokkaichi and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 26: Tokushima Gam. won against Kanazawa on the opponent's court 86-73. Shanan Utd managed to outperform Tachikawa in a home game 69-61. Niigata A. recorded a loss to Iwate on the road 78-66. Tokyo Utd defeated Yamaguchi on its own court 77-67. Saitama beat Tokyo Z in a road game 80-76. Shanan Utd won against Tachikawa at home 71-64. Tokyo managed to outperform Veertien Mie on the opponent's court 79-71. Okayama managed to beat Gifu in a home game 80-73. Niigata A. defeated Iwate on the road 67-61. Tokyo Z smashed Saitama on its own court 101-72. Tokyo won against Veertien Mie in a road game 69-63. Okayama unfortunately lost to Gifu at home 86-102. Tokushima Gam. managed to beat Kanazawa on the opponent's court 75-73.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 11 points and 11 rebounds by Kevin Kotzur of Kanazawa.



Kanazawa - Tokushima Gam. 73-86

Very expected game in Ishikawa where 15th ranked Kanazawa (16-30) was defeated by eleventh ranked Gambarous (21-25) 86-73 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was American power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) who scored 20 points and 9 rebounds. The other American import power forward Jeremy Combs (201-1995, college: Texas Southern) chipped in a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. American guard Steven Green (196-1993, college: OKBU) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds and Ukrainian center Viacheslav Petrov (204-1994, agency: BIG) added 15 points and 14 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Gambarous have an impressive five-game winning streak. Tokushima Gam. moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Shanan Utd. Loser Kanazawa keeps the fifteenth position with 30 games lost. Tokushima Gam. will meet at home league's leader Yokohama in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Kanazawa will play against the league's second-placed Tokyo Utd (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Kanazawa: S.Green 19+10reb+1ast, V.Petrov 15+14reb, K.Higashino 12+4reb+2ast, K.Kotzur 10+7reb+1ast, H.Ito 5+3reb+1ast, T.Kubo 4+3reb+1ast
Tokushima Gam.: T.Dawson 20+9reb+2ast, J.Combs 19+10reb+1ast, K.Stockman Jr. 14+8reb, K.Wakasa 13+6reb+1ast, Y.Tsukamoto 6+2reb+3ast, W.Furukawa 5+1reb

Shanan Utd - Tachikawa 69-61

Very predictable result in Kanagawa where ninth ranked Shanan Utd (21-25) defeated 14th ranked Tachikawa (17-29) 69-61 on Friday. Shanan Utd dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Tachikawa's 22. The best player for the winners was American center Michael Hughes (203-1998, college: Duquesne) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists. The other American import forward Jeffrey Parmer (203-1985, college: FAU) chipped in 16 points and 5 rebounds. Shanan Utd's coach Takeshi Hotta used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Senegalese center Cheikh Mbodj (208-1987, college: Cincinnati) produced 8 points and 16 rebounds and point guard Shimon Tanaka (175-2000) added 12 points and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Shanan Utd have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain ninth position with 21-25 record, which they share with Tokushima Gam. Tachikawa lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth place with 29 games lost. Shanan Utd will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tachikawa will play against Niigata A. (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tachikawa: M.Kai 13+2reb+1ast, S.Tanaka 12+1reb+4ast, M.Sato 9+2reb+1ast, C.Mbodj 8+16reb+1ast, O.Mori 8+1reb, M.Phillips 4+5reb+1ast
Shanan Utd: J.Parmer 16+5reb+1ast, M.Hughes 14+16reb+5ast, M.Kamata 11+2reb+3ast, H.Hyeon Jung 8, K.Nakano 6, S.Takagi 5+4reb+2ast

Iwate - Niigata A. 78-66

Not a big story in a game in Iwate where 7th ranked Niigata A. (23-22) was defeated by fourth ranked Big Bulls (29-15) 78-66 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was American forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman) who had a double-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. American-Australian forward Kyrin Galloway (203-1999, college: UNCG) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds. Center Mutombo Jean-Pierre (206-2002) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 16 rebounds and the former international guard Takuya Kawamura (193-1986) added 14 points respectively for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Big Bulls have a solid three-game winning streak. Iwate maintains fourth position with 29-15 record. Niigata A. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 22 games lost. Iwate will meet at home Saitama (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Niigata A. will play against Tachikawa (#14) and hope to secure a win and be promoted back to the just one year after relegation.
Top scorers:
Niigata A.: W.Smith 15+3reb+1ast, T.Kawamura 14+3reb+3ast, M.Jean-Pierre 13+16reb, A.Higuchi 8+2reb+4ast, D.Tomioka 8+3reb+4ast, S.Tanaka 3+1reb+2ast
Iwate: C.Mounce 21+10reb+6ast, H.Ishikawa 14+1reb+1ast, K.Galloway 12+10reb, T.Haymond 9+3reb, S.Yamagiwa 8+3reb+6ast, X.Oliver 5+1ast

Tokyo Utd - Yamaguchi 77-67

Everything went according to plan in Tokyo where second ranked United (36-8) beat 13th ranked Pats Five (20-26) 77-67 on Saturday. Tokyo Utd forced 20 Yamaguchi turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-1996) who scored 15 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. South Sudanese-American center Angelo Chol (206-1993, college: SDSU) chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. United's coach Jun Hashizume used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. American forward Blake Preston (206-2000, college: Northwestern) produced 15 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Rikiya Yamaguchi (180-1996) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. United have an impressive 36-game winning streak. Tokyo Utd maintains second position with 36-8 record having four points less than leader Yokohama EX. Loser Pats Five dropped to the twelfth place with 26 games lost. They share the position with Tokyo. Tokyo Utd will meet Kanazawa (#15) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Yamaguchi will play against Shinagawa and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yamaguchi: B.Preston 15+8reb+3ast, R.Yamaguchi 12+5reb+3ast, K.Kawakami 11+4reb, A.Collum 9+2reb+1ast, J.Yoshikawa 8+3reb+6ast, F.McSwain Jr. 7+8reb+1ast
Tokyo Utd: R.Vague 15+9reb+4ast, A.Chol 13+10reb+1ast, M.Tobin 10+6reb, H.Imabayashi 9+3reb+5ast, R.Kawashima 8+4reb+2ast, M.Nagao 6+2reb+2ast

Tokyo Z - Saitama 76-80

There was an upset in Tokyo where higher ranked Earthfriends (24-22) were defeated by tenth ranked Broncos (20-24) 80-76 on Saturday. Strangely Tokyo Z outrebounded Saitama 38-26 including 32 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was point guard Hikaru Akiyama (174-1995) who scored 19 points and 4 assists. Point guard Shota Imaike (169-2001) chipped in 16 points. American forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Jaycee Hillsman (200-1996, college: Illinois St.) added 16 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Earthfriends' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Despite that victory Saitama went down to eleventh position due to points difference. Loser Earthfriends keeps the sixth place with 22 games lost. Saitama will meet higher ranked Iwate (#4) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Tokyo Z will play against Okayama and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Z: J.Lampkin 19+13reb+1ast, J.Hillsman 16+6reb+1ast, C.Olivier 14+6reb+1ast, Z.Moore 10+8reb+4ast, K.Kanemoto 6+1reb+2ast, T.Ide 5+5ast
Saitama: H.Akiyama 19+2reb+4ast, S.Imaike 16+2reb+3ast, F.Sato 14+2reb+1ast, M.Morgan 12+4reb+3ast, B.Misakabo 7+2reb+3ast, M.Bjelica 5+1ast

Yokohama EX - Kagawa FA 87-65

The game between Top Four teams took place in Yokohama. First ranked host Excellence (40-4) smashed 3rd ranked Five Arrows (33-11) 87-65. Yokohama dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Five Arrows's 26. The best player for the winners was American guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) who scored 31 points and 5 rebounds. The other American import forward Logan Routt (211-1997, college: WVU, agency: Diamond Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds. American power forward Brekkott Chapman (206-1996, college: Weber St.) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds and Beninese power forward Muusa Dama (207-1996, college: EIU, agency: Blacktop Management) added 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Excellence have an impressive 14-game winning streak. Yokohama maintains first position with 40-4 record. Loser Five Arrows keeps the third place with 11 games lost. Yokohama will meet Tokushima Gam. (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Kagawa will play against Veertien Mie (#17) in Yokkaichi and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kagawa FA: B.Chapman 19+10reb+3ast, M.Dama 11+7reb+4ast, K.Lawson 9+2reb, K.Takahashi 7, S.Negoro 7, I.Takahashi 5+1ast
Yokohama EX: T.Boyd III 31+5reb+1ast, T.Masuko 13+3reb+4ast, L.Routt 11+10reb+1ast, E.Williams 9+8reb+5ast, C.Sow 8+7reb+1ast, Y.Sugiyama 7+2reb

Shanan Utd - Tachikawa 71-64

No shocking result in a game in Kanagawa where ninth ranked Shanan Utd (21-25) won against 14th ranked Tachikawa (17-29) 71-64 on Saturday. Shanan Utd made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American center Michael Hughes (203-1998, college: Duquesne) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds. The other American import forward Jeffrey Parmer (203-1985, college: FAU) chipped in 12 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Senegalese center Cheikh Mbodj (208-1987, college: Cincinnati) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 16 rebounds and Ousu Mori (183-1996) added 12 points respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Shanan Utd have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain ninth position with 21-25 record, which they share with Tokushima Gam. Tachikawa lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth place with 29 games lost. Shanan Utd will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tachikawa will play against Niigata A. (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tachikawa: C.Mbodj 19+16reb+1ast, O.Mori 12+3reb+2ast, S.Tanaka 11+2reb+1ast, M.Sato 10+4reb, K.Fukuda 6+5reb+2ast, M.Phillips 2+4reb+1ast
Shanan Utd: S.Takagi 18+3reb, M.Kamata 14+4reb+2ast, M.Hughes 14+11reb+2ast, J.Parmer 12+9reb+5ast, A.Uchida 9+1reb, R.Hoshino 2+2ast

Veertien Mie - Tokyo HT 71-79

Very expected game in Yokkaichi where 17th ranked Veertien Mie (6-38) was defeated by twelfth ranked Hachioji Trains (20-26) 79-71 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was American forward LG Gill (203-1994, college: Maryland) who scored 16 points and 9 rebounds. Point guard Yusaku Oshiro (180-1995) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. Gill is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Hachioji Trains players scored in double figures. American power forward Damonte Dodd (211-1994, college: Maryland) produced 20 points and 9 rebounds and New Zealand center Callum McRae (216-1999, college: Sacramento St.) added 10 points and 13 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Tokyo maintains twelfth position with 20-26 record, which they share with Yamaguchi. Veertien Mie lost twelfth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 38 lost games. Tokyo will meet at home higher ranked Gifu (#5) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Veertien Mie will play against Kagawa (#3) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Veertien Mie: D.Dodd 20+9reb, C.McRae 10+13reb+1ast, T.Sawaki 9, D.Kawata 8+2reb, Y.Miyazaki 7+4ast, A.Philip 7+1reb+1ast
Tokyo HT: L.Gill 16+9reb+1ast, Y.Oshiro 15+5reb+1ast, D.Doblas 14+4reb, T.Sullivan 11+3reb, S.Ito 8+1reb+2ast, K.Takahashi 8+1reb

Okayama - Gifu 80-73

There was a surprise result in Okayama where sixteenth ranked Try Hoop (11-37) defeated higher ranked Swoops (25-19) 80-73 on Saturday. Strangely Gifu outrebounded Okayama 49-32 including a 25-10 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American guard Kameron Hankerson (196-1998, college: Green Bay, agency: 011 Sports) who scored 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Point guard Aruma Hamada (178-1997) chipped in 12 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Try Hoop players scored in double figures. Senegalese power forward Andre Sambou (203-1999) produced 21 points and 6 rebounds and New Zealand forward Daniel Fotu (203-1999, college: SMC) added 17 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the guests. Swoops' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Okayama maintains sixteenth position with 11-37 record. Loser Swoops keeps the fifth place with 19 games lost. Okayama will meet higher ranked Tokyo Z (#6) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Gifu will play against Tokyo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gifu: A.Sambou 21+6reb, D.Fotu 17+8reb+1ast, K.Urabe 8+2reb+1ast, K.Takahashi 8+2reb+1ast, Z.Edosomwan 5+10reb, M.Tanaka 5+1reb+1ast
Okayama: K.Hankerson 16+7reb+5ast, A.Hamada 12+5reb+6ast, E.Maxwell 11+2reb, M.Fofana 10+5reb+2ast, T.Urano 9+1reb, K.Takabatake 8+1reb+1ast

Iwate - Niigata A. 61-67

There was a minor upset in Iwate where 4th ranked Big Bulls (29-15) were defeated by seventh ranked Niigata A. (23-22) 67-61 on Sunday. Niigata A. outrebounded Iwate 40-29 including a 29-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was center Mutombo Jean-Pierre (206-2002) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 15 rebounds. American forward Worth Smith (198-1993, college: Navy) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. American forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman) produced 26 points and American-Australian forward Kyrin Galloway (203-1999, college: UNCG) added 14 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Niigata A. maintains seventh position with 23-22 record. Loser Big Bulls keeps the fourth place with 15 games lost. Niigata A. will meet Tachikawa (#14) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Iwate will play against Saitama (#11) and hope to secure a win and be promoted back to the just one year after relegation.
Top scorers:
Iwate: C.Mounce 26+3reb+2ast, K.Galloway 14+9reb, S.Yamagiwa 5+2reb+3ast, X.Oliver 4+1reb, K.Monma 4+5reb+1ast, T.Haymond 3+2reb+1ast
Niigata A.: M.Jean-Pierre 24+15reb, W.Smith 12+8reb+2ast, S.Tanaka 10+5reb+2ast, A.Higuchi 7+3reb+3ast, D.Tomioka 7+2reb+9ast, K.Ohya 3

Tokyo Utd - Yamaguchi 80-86

Very important is a home loss of second ranked United (36-8) against thirteenth ranked Pats Five (20-26) on Sunday night. Host United was defeated by Pats Five in a tough game in Tokyo 80-86. It ended at the same time the 106-game winning streak of United. Yamaguchi made 25-of-33 charity shots (75.8 percent) during the game. Yamaguchi outrebounded Tokyo Utd 51-33 including a 21-9 advantage in offensive rebounds. Tokyo Utd was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Blake Preston (206-2000, college: Northwestern) notched a double-double by scoring 17 points, 21 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and the other American import center Antavion Collum (206-2000, college: McNeese St.) supported him with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 21 points and 7 rebounds by South Sudanese-American center Angelo Chol (206-1993, college: SDSU) did not help to save the game for Tokyo Utd. Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-1996) added 12 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Yamaguchi moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Tokyo. Tokyo Utd at the other side keeps the second position with eight games lost. Yamaguchi will play against higher ranked Shinagawa (#8) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Tokyo Utd will play against Kanazawa (#15) in Ishikawa and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Utd: A.Chol 21+7reb+1ast, S.Tokugawa 17+2reb+2ast, R.Kawashima 15+5reb+3ast, R.Vague 12+8reb+4ast, M.Nagao 9+3ast, H.Imabayashi 2+3reb+3ast
Yamaguchi: A.Collum 20+10reb+5ast, I.Tomida 17+1ast, B.Preston 17+21reb+5ast, R.Yamaguchi 14+4reb+3ast, J.Yoshikawa 5+4reb+3ast, Y.Shigetomi 4+3reb+1ast

Tokyo Z - Saitama 101-72

Everything went according to plan in Tokyo where sixth ranked Earthfriends (24-22) outscored 10th ranked Broncos (20-24) 101-72 on Sunday. Tokyo Z looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. The other American import guard Jaycee Hillsman (200-1996, college: Illinois St.) chipped in 21 points. Four Earthfriends players scored in double figures. Point guard Hikaru Akiyama (174-1995) produced 13 points and 7 assists and Serbian-Montenegrin forward Milko Bjelica (207-1984, agency: BIG) added 9 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the guests. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Tokyo Z maintains sixth position with 24-22 record. Loser Broncos dropped to the eleventh place with 24 games lost. Tokyo Z will meet at home Okayama (#16) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Saitama will play against Iwate (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Saitama: F.Sato 15+1reb, H.Akiyama 13+7ast, K.Matsui 11+3reb+1ast, M.Bjelica 9+7reb+1ast, S.Imaike 8+6ast, R.Watkins 4+9reb+1ast
Tokyo Z: C.Olivier 23+1reb, J.Hillsman 21+4reb+3ast, J.Lampkin 20+10reb+5ast, Z.Moore 16+6reb+1ast, T.Ide 8+4ast, S.Shimodaira 7+1reb+3ast

Yokohama EX - Kagawa FA 68-67

Third-ranked Five Arrows (33-11) gave a tough game to first ranked Excellence (40-4) in Yokohama on Sunday. Excellence managed to secure only one-point victory 68-67. However their fans expected easier game. Yokohama forced 23 Kagawa turnovers. 31 personal fouls committed by Kagawa helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Americans were the main players on the court. Guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) scored 24 points to lead the charge for the winners and forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) chipped in 18 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Power forward Brekkott Chapman (206-1996, college: Weber St.) responded with 19 points and 8 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and forward Alex Davis (206-1992, college: Fresno St., agency: Diamond Sports) scored 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Excellence have an impressive 14-game winning streak. Yokohama maintains first position with 40-4 record. Kagawa at the other side keeps the third place with 11 games lost. Yokohama are looking forward to face Tokushima Gam. (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Kagawa will play against Veertien Mie (#17) in Yokkaichi and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Kagawa FA: B.Chapman 19+8reb+3ast, T.Kobayashi 9+4reb+3ast, A.Davis 9+7reb+2ast, I.Takahashi 8+2reb+1ast, M.Dama 7+8reb+1ast, R.Kondo 5+2reb
Yokohama EX: T.Boyd III 24+4reb+3ast, E.Williams 18+9reb+2ast, C.Sow 10+6reb, L.Routt 8+11reb, J.Taniguchi 3+1reb, T.Masuko 3+3reb+4ast

Veertien Mie - Tokyo HT 63-69

There was no surprise in Yokkaichi where 17th ranked Veertien Mie (6-38) was defeated by twelfth ranked Hachioji Trains (20-26) 69-63 on Sunday. Tokyo forced 23 Veertien Mie turnovers. The best player for the winners was American forward LG Gill (203-1994, college: Maryland) who scored 17 points and 8 rebounds. The other American import forward Taren Sullivan (198-1995, college: Findlay, OH) chipped in 15 points. Gill is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American power forward Damonte Dodd (211-1994, college: Maryland) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) and guard Yasuyuki Miyazaki (170-1986) added 20 points respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Tokyo maintains twelfth position with 20-26 record, which they share with Yamaguchi. Veertien Mie lost twelfth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 38 lost games. Tokyo will meet at home higher ranked Gifu (#5) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Veertien Mie will play against Kagawa (#3) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Veertien Mie: Y.Miyazaki 20+2reb+3ast, D.Dodd 14+14reb+1ast, C.McRae 12+6reb, T.Kume 5+1reb+1ast, T.Sawaki 5+4reb+2ast, D.Kawata 3+3reb+1ast
Tokyo HT: L.Gill 17+8reb+2ast, T.Sullivan 15+4reb+2ast, Y.Oshiro 9+2reb, H.Ogane 9+2reb+1ast, D.Doblas 7+5reb, K.Takahashi 6+1reb

Okayama - Gifu 86-102

No shocking result in a game in Okayama where fifth ranked Swoops (25-19) won against 16th ranked Try Hoop (11-37) 102-86 on Sunday. Gifu outrebounded Okayama 41-30 including 28 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was guard Hunter Cort (191-1999) who scored 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. American power forward Zena Edosomwan (206-1993, college: Harvard, agency: Diamond Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 15 rebounds. Four Swoops players scored in double figures. Swoops' coach Kobayashi Yasunori used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. New Zealand power forward Samuel Timmins (211-1997, college: Washington) produced 20 points and 8 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and American guard Kameron Hankerson (196-1998, college: Green Bay, agency: 011 Sports) added 20 points respectively for the hosts. Gifu maintains fifth position with 25-19 record. Loser Try Hoop keeps the sixteenth place with 37 games lost. Gifu will meet Tokyo (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Okayama will play against Tokyo Z (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Okayama: S.Timmins 20+8reb+2ast, K.Hankerson 20+4reb+3ast, A.Hamada 12+3reb+5ast, E.Maxwell 9+5reb+1ast, T.Taisei 8+3reb, K.Takabatake 5+2reb+1ast
Gifu: H.Cort 19+8reb+6ast, R.Logan 17+3reb+5ast, E.Iwamatsu 11+1reb, Z.Edosomwan 11+15reb+2ast, D.Fotu 10+7reb+1ast, K.Urabe 10+1reb

Kanazawa - Tokushima Gam. 73-75

Very expected game in Ishikawa where 15th ranked Kanazawa (16-30) was edged by eleventh ranked Gambarous (21-25) 75-73 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was American power forward Jeremy Combs (201-1995, college: Texas Southern) who scored 22 points and 8 rebounds. The other American import forward Josh Martin (201-1995, college: Santa Clara) chipped in 6 points and 8 rebounds. American guard Steven Green (196-1993, college: OKBU) produced 20 points and 7 rebounds and Ukrainian center Viacheslav Petrov (204-1994, agency: BIG) added 14 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Kanazawa's coach Huraya Ito tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Gambarous have an impressive five-game winning streak. Tokushima Gam. moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Shanan Utd. Loser Kanazawa keeps the fifteenth position with 30 games lost. Tokushima Gam. will meet at home league's leader Yokohama in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Kanazawa will play against the league's second-placed Tokyo Utd (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Kanazawa: S.Green 20+7reb+2ast, V.Petrov 14+7reb+2ast, K.Kotzur 11+11reb+1ast, K.Higashino 8+4reb, H.Ito 6+1reb, K.Takahashi 3+1reb+1ast
Tokushima Gam.: J.Combs 22+8reb+3ast, K.Wakasa 12+2reb+1ast, K.Stockman Jr. 11+1reb+1ast, B.Aoki 8+2reb+2ast, A.Kuerban 6+3reb, J.Martin 6+8reb+1ast