B1 League Round 49 (Regular Season): San-en NP edge Nagasaki by three points

The Regular Season in B1 League is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 11 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Sixth-ranked Nagasaki (22-27) made lots of trouble for first ranked San-en NP (41-7) in Hamamatsu on Sunday. San-en NP managed to secure only three-point victory 79-76. However their fans expected much easier game. San-en NP outrebounded Nagasaki 44-28 including a 17-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. San-en NP looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The game was dominated by American players. David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) fired a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) chipped in 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). San-en NP's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Mark Smith (193-1999, college: Kansas St.) produced 28 points and 5 assists for lost side. San-en NP maintains first place with 41-7 record. Nagasaki at the other side keeps the sixth position with 27 games lost. They share it with Yokohama BC. San-en NP are looking forward to face league's second-placed Alvark Tokyo at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Nagasaki will play against the league's second-placed Shimane SM (#2) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Second-ranked Jets (32-17) made lots of trouble for second ranked Alvark Tokyo (36-13). Alvark Tokyo managed to secure only three-point victory 75-72. However their fans expected easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Ryan Rossiter contributed with 12 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. American forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) answered with 20 points for Chiba Jets. Alvark Tokyo have a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Ryukyu. Chiba Jets at the other side dropped to the third place with 17 games lost. They share the position with Sea Horses M.. Alvark Tokyo will play against league's leader San-en NP in Hamamatsu in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Chiba Jets will play on the road against Sendai 89ers and hope to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Osaka between Osaka E. and Kyoto H.. Fourth ranked Osaka E. (25-24) got a very close home victory over 3rd placed Kyoto H. (25-24). Osaka E. managed to escape with a 1-point win 95-94 in the fight for the third place. Ryan Luther stepped up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. At the losing side Angelo Caloiaro responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Osaka E. moved-up to third place, which they share with defeated Kyoto H. Osaka E. will meet Saga B. (#7) on the road in the next round. Kyoto H. will play against Hiroshima D. (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games of round 49 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
FE Nagoya defeated Kawasaki in a road game 82-73. Gunma CT beat Ibaraki R. at home 78-60. Nagoya DD won against Hiroshima D. on the opponent's court 88-80. Hokkaido L. unfortunately lost to Ryukyu in a home game 64-72. Akita NH recorded a loss to Koshigaya A. on the road 55-73. Sea Horses M. was defeated by Tochigi Brex on its own court 61-79. Saga B. beat Shiga L-Stars in a road game 82-77. Sunrockers Sh. won against Sendai 89ers at home 70-58. Shimane SM managed to outperform Yokohama BC on the opponent's court 85-79.
The best stats of 49th round was 16 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists by Maik-Kalev Kotsar of Yokohama BC.



Alvark Tokyo - Chiba Jets 75-72

Second-ranked Jets (32-17) made lots of trouble for second ranked Alvark Tokyo (36-13). Alvark Tokyo managed to secure only three-point victory 75-72. However their fans expected easier game. Alvark Tokyo players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. The former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) contributed with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Four Alvark Tokyo players scored in double figures. American forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) answered with 20 points and the other American import guard Christopher Smith (193-1994, college: Utah St.) added 16 points and 4 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!) in the effort for Chiba Jets. Alvark Tokyo have a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Ryukyu. Chiba Jets at the other side dropped to the third place with 17 games lost. They share the position with Sea Horses M.. Alvark Tokyo will play against league's leader San-en NP in Hamamatsu in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Chiba Jets will play on the road against Sendai 89ers and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: D.Hogg 20+4reb, C.Smith 16+2reb+4ast, J.Mooney 11+7reb+1ast, M.Ou 9+10reb, R.Kanechika 6, R.Segawa 4+2reb+2ast
Alvark Tokyo: S.Saiz 18+10reb, T.Osakabe 14+1reb+2ast, R.Rossiter 12+12reb+2ast, S.Ando 11+1reb+2ast, S.Zack 8+1reb, K.Toews 6+1reb+9ast

Kawasaki BT - FE Nagoya 73-82

There was no surprise in Kanagawa where 8th ranked Brave Thunders (14-35) were defeated by sixth ranked Fighting Eagles (23-26) 82-73 on Sunday. FE Nagoya looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) stepped up and scored 26 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 8 steals for the winners and his fellow American import power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) chipped in 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists (made all of his seven free throws). Four Fighting Eagles players scored in double figures. At the losing side Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his seven free throws) and British-American power forward Sacha Killeya-Jones (212-1998, college: NC State) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. FE Nagoya moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Akita NH and Hiroshima D. Kawasaki lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 35 games lost. FE Nagoya will meet Yokohama BC (#7) on the road in the next round. Kawasaki will play against Nagoya DD and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: R.Allen 19+7reb+4ast, S.Killeya-Jones 18+11reb, M.Wright 13+4reb+3ast, K.Kobari 7+1ast, R.Nozaki 6+1reb, Y.Kamata 3+1ast
FE Nagoya: A.Henry 26+5reb+4ast, S.O'Mara 15+9reb+5ast, T.Sugimoto 12+3reb, F.Olujobi 10+1reb+1ast, H.Nakamura 8+3reb+1ast, R.Sadohara 7+5reb+4ast

Gunma CT - Ibaraki R. 78-60

No shocking result in a game in Gunma where second ranked Thunders (33-16) defeated 7th ranked Robots (9-40) 78-60 on Sunday. Gunma CT dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Robots's 20 and made 16-of-17 free shots (94.1 percent) during the game. Gunma CT outrebounded Ibaraki R. 41-26 including a 33-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) stepped up and scored 21 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists (made all of his ten free throws !!!) for the winners and his fellow American import center Kaleb Tarczewski (212-1993, college: Arizona) chipped in 13 points and 9 rebounds. At the losing side point guard Kohei Nakamura (181-1996) responded with 17 points and American forward Robert Franks (205-1996, college: WSU) scored 11 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Gunma CT maintains second place with 33-16 record having seven points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Ibaraki R. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 40 games lost. They share it with Sendai 89ers. Gunma CT will meet Akita NH (#4) on the road in the next round. Ibaraki R. will play against Hokkaido L. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: K.Nakamura 17+2reb+2ast, K.Hisaoka 11+2reb+3ast, R.Franks 11+5reb+4ast, E.Jacobsen 8+7reb+3ast, J.Floyd 7+8reb+2ast, K.Tsurumaki 6+2reb
Gunma CT: T.McKinney-Jones 21+6reb+8ast, Y.Fujii 14+3reb+2ast, K.Tarczewski 13+9reb+1ast, M.Parker 10+1reb, A.Hachimura 4+3reb+1ast, K.Flippin 4+9reb+1ast

Hiroshima D. - Nagoya DD 80-88

There was a minor upset in Hiroshima where their close opponent Dragonflies (23-26) were defeated by fifth ranked Dolphins (26-23) 88-80 on Sunday. Nagoya DD looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) stepped up and scored 17 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners and the former international swingman Keita Imamura (191-1996) chipped in 17 points and 4 assists. At the losing side American forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds and the former international Ryo Yamazaki (183-1992) scored 15 points. Nagoya DD maintains fifth place with 26-23 record. Loser Dragonflies dropped to the fourth position with 26 games lost. They share it with FE Nagoya and Akita NH. Nagoya DD will meet Kawasaki (#8) in the next round. Hiroshima D. will play against Kyoto H. (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: D.Evans 26+12reb+3ast, R.Yamazaki 15+1reb+2ast, N.Mayo 10+5reb+1ast, T.Kamisawa 9+3reb, K.Roberts 7, K.Blackshear Jr. 5+5reb+1ast
Nagoya DD: T.Sato 18+3reb+2ast, S.Eatherton 17+9reb+6ast, K.Imamura 17+3reb+4ast, L.Maye 8+9reb, Z.Cheatham 8+8reb+6ast, T.Kato 8+1reb+2ast

Hokkaido L. - Ryukyu GK 64-72

Rather predictable result in Sapporo where first ranked Golden Kings (36-13) beat 5th ranked Hokkaido L. (18-31) 72-64 on Sunday. American forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners and the former international guard Ryuichi Kishimoto (176-1990) chipped in 12 points. At the losing side Filipino guard Dwight Ramos (193-1998, college: CPP) responded with 18 points and 9 rebounds and point guard Shuto Terazono (172-1994) scored 13 points and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Golden Kings have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. Ryukyu maintains first place with 36-13 record, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Loser Hokkaido L. keeps the fifth position with 31 games lost. Ryukyu will meet at home Shiga L-Stars (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Hokkaido L. will play against Ibaraki R. in Mito and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: D.Ramos 18+9reb+1ast, S.Terazono 13+3reb+6ast, T.Welsh 9+10reb+2ast, K.Morizane 7+2reb+2ast, T.Allen 7+6reb+2ast, H.Kikuchi 5+1reb
Ryukyu GK: V.Law 21+13reb+7ast, R.Kishimoto 12+3reb+2ast, S.Onodera 8+1reb+2ast, M.Waki 8+3reb+1ast, A.Kirk 7+6reb+2ast, K.Aluma 5+1reb

Koshigaya A. - Akita NH 73-55

There was a minor upset in Tokyo where 4th placed Happinets (23-26) were defeated by sixth ranked Alphas (16-33) 73-55 on Sunday. Koshigaya A. outrebounded Akita NH 40-29 including 29 on the defensive glass. Naturalized American Kyle Richardson (200-1991, college: Portland St.) stepped up and scored 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and American forward Jeff Gibbs (188-1980, college: Otterbein) chipped in 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. At the losing side French power forward Yannis Morin (208-1993, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with 13 points and 6 rebounds and the former international point guard Ko Kumagai (173-1996, agency: Schafer Sports) scored 7 points and 7 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Newly promoted Koshigaya A. maintains sixth place with 16-33 record. Loser Happinets keeps the fourth position with 26 games lost. They share it with FE Nagoya and Hiroshima D.. Koshigaya A. will meet league's leader Tochigi Brex on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Akita NH will play against the league's second-placed Gunma CT and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: Y.Morin 13+6reb, K.Kumagai 7+4reb+7ast, T.Nakayama 6+4reb+4ast, A.Oguri 5+1reb, T.Motoda 5+1reb, R.Akaho 5+3reb+2ast
Koshigaya A.: K.Richardson 13+8reb+2ast, T.Soares 13+5reb, R.Sasakura 10+7reb+2ast, J.Gibbs 8+8reb+4ast, L.Peak 8+5reb+3ast, S.Kitagawa 7+2reb

San-en NP - Nagasaki 79-76

Sixth-ranked Nagasaki (22-27) made lots of trouble for first ranked San-en NP (41-7) in Hamamatsu on Sunday. San-en NP managed to secure only three-point victory 79-76. However their fans expected much easier game. San-en NP outrebounded Nagasaki 44-28 including a 17-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. San-en NP looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The game was dominated by American players. David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) fired a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) chipped in 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Four San-en NP players scored in double figures. San-en NP's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Mark Smith (193-1999, college: Kansas St.) produced 28 points and 5 assists and Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston) added 19 points respectively for lost side. San-en NP maintains first place with 41-7 record. Nagasaki at the other side keeps the sixth position with 27 games lost. They share it with Yokohama BC. San-en NP are looking forward to face league's second-placed Alvark Tokyo at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Nagasaki will play against the league's second-placed Shimane SM (#2) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: M.Smith 28+3reb+5ast, J.Brantley 19+4reb+2ast, M.Karimata 12+2ast, A.Edu 7+12reb, H.Yamaguchi 6+4reb+2ast, Y.Baba 2+1reb
San-en NP: D.Dudzinski 18+11reb+3ast, Y.Maten 17+5reb+4ast, S.Oura 13+1reb+8ast, D.Nwaba 11+14reb, R.Sasaki 6+3reb+5ast, H.Yoshii 6+5reb

Osaka E. - Kyoto H. 95-94

A very close game took place in Osaka between Osaka E. and Kyoto H.. Fourth ranked Osaka E. (25-24) got a very close home victory over 3rd placed Kyoto H. (25-24). Osaka E. managed to escape with a 1-point win 95-94 in the fight for the third place. Osaka E. made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American Ryan Luther (206-1995, college: Arizona) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) chipped in 22 points and 8 rebounds. At the losing side Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists and American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Five Kyoto H. players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Osaka E. moved-up to third place, which they share with defeated Kyoto H. Osaka E. will meet Saga B. (#7) on the road in the next round. Kyoto H. will play against Hiroshima D. (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: R.Shibuta 22+2reb+2ast, C.Jackson 21+10reb+3ast, A.Caloiaro 19+11reb+7ast, T.Furukawa 10+3reb+2ast, J.Heath 10+6reb+1ast, K.Mizuno 5+4ast
Osaka E.: M.Bonds 22+8reb+2ast, R.Luther 20+11reb+2ast, V.Herun 18+8reb+2ast, M.Kinoshita 9+2reb, R.Parks 7+7reb+4ast, H.Maki 7+4ast

Sea Horses M. - Tochigi Brex 61-79

Everything went according to plan in Kariya where first ranked Tochigi Brex (40-9) won against 3rd placed SeaHorses (32-17) 79-61 on Sunday. Tochigi Brex outrebounded Sea Horses M. 43-31 including 31 on the defensive glass. American center Grant Jerrett (208-1993, college: Arizona) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) chipped in 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. At the losing side American forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) responded with 14 points and 9 rebounds and Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 12 points and 8 rebounds. 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. Tochigi Brex maintains first place with 40-9 record. Loser SeaHorses keeps the third position with 17 games lost. They share it with Chiba Jets. Tochigi Brex will meet at home Koshigaya A. (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Sea Horses M. will play against Sunrockers Sh. in Tokyo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: J.Layman 14+9reb+3ast, D.Gardner 12+3reb, Z.Auguste 12+8reb+1ast, Y.Nishida 11+4reb, S.Nagano 4+1reb+6ast, Y.Suda 4+2reb+1ast
Tochigi Brex: G.Jerrett 25+10reb, M.Hiejima 13+3reb+5ast, D.Newbill 11+9reb+4ast, I.Fotu 11+6reb, S.Ikaruga 6+3reb+1ast, K.Takeuchi 4+5reb+2ast

Shiga L-Stars - Saga B. 77-82

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 8th ranked Lakestars' (7-41) home loss to seventh ranked Ballooners (17-32) 77-82 on Sunday. Saga B. outrebounded Shiga L-Stars 42-25 including 29 on the defensive glass. Point guard Taiki Sumida (182-1999) stepped up and scored 23 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and American Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) chipped in 19 points and 7 rebounds. At the losing side Australian forward Brock Motum (208-1990, college: WSU, agency: Slash Sports) responded with 15 points and 6 rebounds and the former international forward Higen Hasegawa (202-2005) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds. Four Saga B. and five Shiga L-Stars players scored in double figures. Lakestars' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Ballooners have a solid series of three victories in a row. Saga B. maintains seventh place with 17-32 record. Newly promoted Shiga L-Stars keep the eighth position with 41 games lost. Saga B. will meet at home higher ranked Osaka E. (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Shiga L-Stars will play against the league's leader Ryukyu (#1) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Shiga L-Stars: B.Motum 15+6reb+3ast, J.Ducree 15+4reb+2ast, T.Okada 15+2reb+4ast, M.Cummings 12+1reb+2ast, H.Hasegawa 10+11reb+1ast, A.Yu 8+4ast
Saga B.: T.Sumida 23+6reb+3ast, Y.Childs 19+7reb+1ast, A.Durham 12+5reb+4ast, R.Garcia 11+7reb+3ast, K.Kanamaru 7+5reb+2ast, J.Harrellson 6+7reb

Sunrockers Sh. - Sendai 89ers 70-58

No shocking result in a game in Tokyo where fourth ranked SunRockers (27-22) defeated 8th ranked 89ers (9-40) 70-58 on Sunday. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) stepped up and scored 9 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners and Kazakhstan-American point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds. At the losing side American Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) responded with 18 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import Stanton Kidd (202-1992, college: Colorado St.) scored 19 points and 6 rebounds. Sunrockers Sh. maintains fourth place with 27-22 record. Loser 89ers dropped to the seventh position with 40 games lost. They share it with Ibaraki R.. Sunrockers Sh. will meet at home higher ranked Sea Horses M. (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Sendai 89ers will play against Chiba Jets (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: S.Kidd 19+6reb+2ast, N.Boothe 18+8reb+3ast, H.Araya 9+1reb+1ast, S.Watanabe 4+2reb+1ast, Y.Aoki 4+1reb+5ast, J.Yang 2+1reb
Sunrockers Sh.: A.Clemmons 16+7reb+1ast, T.Murphy Jr. 12+2reb, R.Travis 11+7reb+1ast, J.Hawkinson 9+7reb+8ast, L.Vendrame 9+2ast, D.Tanaka 7+2reb+2ast

Yokohama BC - Shimane SM 79-85

Very expected game in Yokohama where 6th ranked B-Corsairs (22-27) were defeated by second ranked Magic (31-18) 85-79 on Sunday. Shimane SM outrebounded Yokohama BC 39-26 including 26 on the defensive glass. Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and the former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) chipped in 20 points. Four Magic players scored in double figures. At the losing side Estonian center Maik-Kalev Kotsar (210-1996, college: S.Carolina) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists and Filipino guard Kiefer Ravena (183-1993) scored 19 points and 4 assists. B-Corsairs' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Shimane SM maintains second place with 31-18 record having nine points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Loser B-Corsairs keeps the sixth position with 27 games lost. They share it with Nagasaki. Shimane SM will meet at home Nagasaki (#6) in the next round. Yokohama BC will play against FE Nagoya and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: K.Ravena 19+4ast, M.Kotsar 16+11reb+6ast, K.Sudo 13+1ast, G.Clark 13+4reb+2ast, H.Matsuzaki 6+1reb+3ast, D.Inglis 6+5reb+3ast
Shimane SM: S.Ando 20+4reb+3ast, N.Kay 14+12reb+5ast, S.Tsuyama 13+3ast, L.Evans 13+4reb+2ast, A.Murphy 11+7reb+1ast, J.McAdoo 9+9reb+2ast