B1 League Round 60 (Regular Season): Akita NH beat Gunma CT by one after a very close game

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 60 in the B1 League took place in Akita. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of one of their biggest challengers Thunders (39-21) to fourth ranked Happinets (28-32) 62-61 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Thunders. It was a good game for Taiwanese forward Mohammad Gadiaga (188-1998) who saved his team from a defeat with 25 points. Nigerian forward Christian Mekowulu (206-1995, college: Texas A&M) contributed with 7 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. German Johannes Thiemann (206-1994) replied with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) for Gunma CT. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Akita NH maintains fourth position with 28-32 record, which they share with Hiroshima D. Gunma CT at the other side keeps the third place with 21 games lost. They share the position with Sea Horses M..
Seventh-ranked B-Corsairs (24-36) used its home court advantage to challenge sixth ranked Fighting Eagles (30-30) in Yokohama. The visitors from Nagoya managed to secure only three-point victory 75-72. However their fans expected easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 5 rebounds and Ryo Sadohara who added 24 points during the contest. Fighting Eagles' coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The best for the losing side was Filipino guard Kiefer Ravena (183-1993) with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. FE Nagoya moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Sunrockers Sh. Yokohama BC at the other side keeps the seventh position with 36 games lost.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Tokyo: Alvark Tokyo (#2) and SunRockers (#5). SunRockers were smashed at home by 18 points 57-75 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. The winners were led by Ryan Rossiter who scored that evening 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 14 points by Kevin Jones did not help to save the game for Sunrockers Sh.. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Alvark Tokyo have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 44-16 record having just two points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Sunrockers Sh. lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 30 games lost. They share the position with FE Nagoya.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 60: San-en NP smashed Kawasaki on the road 100-65. Chiba Jets won against Sendai 89ers on its own court 64-56. Shimane SM was outscored by Hiroshima D. in a road game 88-69. Hokkaido L. managed to beat Ibaraki R. at home 83-70. Shiga L-Stars were defeated by Kyoto H. on the opponent's court 76-71. Osaka E. was beaten by Nagasaki in a home game 76-85. Saga B. lost to Ryukyu on the road 76-85. Sea Horses M. unfortunately lost to Nagoya DD on its own court 80-85. Koshigaya A. recorded a loss to Tochigi Brex in a road game 69-83.
The most impressive performance of 60th round was 22 points and 8 rebounds by Gary Clark of Yokohama BC.



Akita NH - Gunma CT 62-61

The most exciting game of round 60 in the B1 League took place in Akita. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of one of their biggest challengers Thunders (39-21) to fourth ranked Happinets (28-32) 62-61 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Thunders. It was a good game for Taiwanese forward Mohammad Gadiaga (188-1998) who saved his team from a defeat with 25 points. Nigerian forward Christian Mekowulu (206-1995, college: Texas A&M) contributed with 7 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Mekowulu is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. German Johannes Thiemann (206-1994) replied with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) and American center Kaleb Tarczewski (212-1993, college: Arizona) added 9 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Gunma CT. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Akita NH maintains fourth position with 28-32 record, which they share with Hiroshima D. Gunma CT at the other side keeps the third place with 21 games lost. They share the position with Sea Horses M..
Top scorers:
Akita NH: M.Gadiaga 25+2reb+2ast, Y.Morin 8+4reb+1ast, T.Kurihara 7+2ast, C.Mekowulu 7+10reb+1ast, T.Leissner 6+6reb+2ast, A.Oguri 3+1reb+4ast
Gunma CT: J.Thiemann 16+9reb+4ast, Y.Fujii 12+3reb+3ast, K.Tarczewski 9+10reb+2ast, N.Tsuji 8+1reb+3ast, K.Flippin 8+4reb+1ast, M.Parker 4+4reb

Kawasaki BT - San-en NP 65-100

No shocking result in a game when first ranked San-en NP (47-12) crushed 8th ranked Brave Thunders (18-42) in Kanagawa 100-65 on Sunday. San-en NP outrebounded Kawasaki 44-32 including 33 on the defensive glass. San-en NP looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The winners were led by American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) who scored that evening 16 points and 8 rebounds and the former international point guard Ryusei Sasaki (180-1996) supported him with 16 points and 8 assists. Four San-en NP players scored in double figures. Even 20 points and 8 rebounds by Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Kawasaki. American Alize Johnson (206-1996, college: Missouri St.) added 19 points and 5 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. San-en NP maintains first position with 47-12 record. Loser Brave Thunders keeps the eighth place with 42 games lost.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: R.Sasaki 16+8ast, Y.Maten 16+8reb+2ast, D.Dudzinski 13+5reb+1ast, H.Yoshii 12+8reb+3ast, D.Nemoto 11+3reb+3ast, K.Tsuya 11+1ast
Kawasaki BT: R.Allen 20+8reb+1ast, A.Johnson 19+5reb+1ast, M.Wright 8+3reb, R.Nozaki 7+5reb+2ast, J.Yamauchi 4+1reb+1ast, Y.Kamata 3+2reb+2ast

Chiba Jets - Sendai 89ers 64-56

Very expected game when 8th ranked 89ers (11-49) lost to second ranked Jets (42-18) in Chiba 56-64 on Sunday. Chiba Jets made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. Strangely Sendai 89ers outrebounded Chiba Jets 44-32 including 32 on the defensive glass. The winners were led by American forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) who scored that evening 19 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 9 points and 9 rebounds. Even a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds by American Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) did not help to save the game for Sendai 89ers. Brazilian center Cristiano Felicio (210-1992, college: Oregon) added 13 points and 9 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Jets have an impressive nine-game winning streak. Chiba Jets maintains second position with 42-18 record having four points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Sendai 89ers lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 49 games lost.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: D.Hogg 19+5reb+3ast, S.Hara 11+2reb+2ast, R.Kanechika 9+3reb+1ast, J.Mooney 9+9reb+2ast, C.Smith 8+6reb+3ast, N.Tashiro 3
Sendai 89ers: N.Boothe 13+12reb+3ast, S.Kidd 13+5reb+2ast, C.Felicio 13+9reb+1ast, H.Araya 5+1reb+3ast, Y.Aoki 4, T.Hoshino 3+1reb

Hiroshima D. - Shimane SM 88-69

There was a small surprise when fifth ranked Dragonflies (28-32) rolled over second-best Magic (37-23) in Hiroshima 88-69 on Sunday. Hiroshima D. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists and the other American import forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) supported him with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Five Dragonflies players scored in double figures. Even 11 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists by Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) did not help to save the game for Shimane SM. The former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) added 8 points and 5 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Hiroshima D. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Akita NH. Loser Magic keeps the second position with 23 games lost.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: R.Terashima 21+3ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 19+13reb+1ast, D.Evans 15+10reb+8ast, R.Watanabe 14+6reb+5ast, N.Mayo 10+9reb+1ast, K.Mitani 4+6reb
Shimane SM: K.Hareyama 11+5reb, N.Kay 11+8reb+7ast, S.Tsuyama 10+2reb+2ast, S.Ando 8+4reb+5ast, L.Evans 8+6reb, C.Clarke 7+4reb+1ast

Hokkaido L. - Ibaraki R. 83-70

Not a big story in a game when 7th ranked Robots (15-45) lost to fifth ranked Hokkaido L. (21-39) in Sapporo 70-83 on Sunday. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by forward Terry Allen (203-1993, college: Richmond, agency: One Motive Sports) who scored that evening 22 points and 6 rebounds and center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Even a double-double of 14 points and 16 rebounds by Eric Jacobsen (208-1994, college: Arizona St.) did not help to save the game for Ibaraki R.. Forward Robert Franks (205-1996, college: WSU) added 14 points and 7 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. Hokkaido L. maintains fifth position with 21-39 record. Loser Robots keeps the seventh place with 45 games lost.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: T.Allen 22+6reb+2ast, T.Nakano 16+2reb+1ast, S.Terazono 14+4reb+3ast, T.Welsh 12+14reb+1ast, D.Ramos 9+4reb+3ast, Y.Suzuki 5+3reb+4ast
Ibaraki R.: E.Jacobsen 14+16reb+3ast, R.Franks 14+7reb+1ast, A.Hirao 10+2reb+2ast, K.Tsurumaki 10+2ast, K.Nakamura 8+4reb+4ast, S.Sun 6+1reb+2ast

Kyoto H. - Shiga L-Stars 76-71

Everything went according to plan when third ranked Kyoto H. (33-27) defeated at home 8th ranked Lakestars (8-51) 76-71 on Sunday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Kyoto H. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 17 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Even 20 points and 8 rebounds by American power forward Julien Ducree (206-1997, college: Utah Tech) did not help to save the game for Shiga L-Stars. The former international power forward Sean Ichioka (198-1991) added 9 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Kyoto H. have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 33-27 record having thirteen points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Newly promoted Shiga L-Stars keep the eighth place with 51 games lost.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: A.Caloiaro 19+8reb+1ast, C.Jackson 17+11reb+4ast, T.Furukawa 15+1reb+2ast, Y.Okada 9+10ast, R.Shibuta 6+1ast, S.Maeta 5+2reb+1ast
Shiga L-Stars: M.Cummings 22+4reb, J.Ducree 20+8reb+3ast, S.Ichioka 9+7reb+11ast, D.Nomoto 9+2reb+5ast, H.Hasegawa 9+7reb+1ast, T.Tahara 2+1reb

Osaka E. - Nagasaki 76-85

There was a minor upset when 4th ranked Osaka E. (29-31) lost at home to sixth ranked Nagasaki (26-34) 85-76 on Sunday. Nagasaki forced 22 Osaka E. turnovers. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston) who scored that evening 27 points and 5 assists and Mark Smith (193-1999, college: Kansas St.) supported him with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Nagasaki players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds by Ryan Luther (206-1995, college: Arizona) did not help to save the game for Osaka E.. Forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) added 14 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Nagasaki maintains sixth position with 26-34 record. Osaka E. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with 31 games lost.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: J.Brantley 27+4reb+5ast, M.Smith 17+5reb+4ast, T.Groves 11+6reb+1ast, Y.Baba 11+4reb+7ast, K.Kawamata 6+3reb, M.Morikawa 5+1reb
Osaka E.: R.Luther 24+10reb+2ast, M.Bonds 14+7reb+3ast, R.Parks 13+1ast, M.Kinoshita 9+2reb+1ast, V.Herun 7+7reb+5ast, F.Iio 3+1reb

Ryukyu GK - Saga B. 85-76

No shocking result in a game when first ranked Golden Kings (46-14) beat 7th ranked Ballooners (22-38) in Okinawa 85-76 on Sunday. Ryukyu dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Ballooners's 28. Ryukyu outrebounded Saga B. 43-26 including 32 on the defensive glass. Ryukyu looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and the other American import forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Four Golden Kings players scored in double figures. Even 26 points, 6 assists and 4 steals by Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) did not help to save the game for Saga B.. American power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) added 9 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ryukyu maintains first position with 46-14 record. Loser Ballooners keeps the seventh place with 38 games lost.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: J.Cooley 16+10reb, H.Arakawa 13+2ast, S.Sakihama 10+2ast, K.Aluma 10+10reb+4ast, V.Law 10+8reb+7ast, A.Kirk 9+6reb+2ast
Saga B.: R.Garcia 26+1reb+6ast, K.Kanamaru 17+1reb, J.Harrellson 9+6reb+2ast, A.Durham 9+8reb+7ast, T.Sumida 7+5reb+1ast, R.Inoue 6+1reb

Sea Horses M. - Nagoya DD 80-85

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when one of their biggest challengers SeaHorses (39-21) lost to fourth ranked Dolphins (35-25) in Kariya 80-85 on Sunday. Nagoya DD made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by American Luke Maye (203-1997, college: UNC) who scored that evening 18 points and 6 rebounds and guard Taito Nakahigashi (191-1992) supported him with 18 points. Even a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) by Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Sea Horses M.. American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) added 10 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Nagoya DD maintains fourth position with 35-25 record. Loser SeaHorses keeps the third place with 21 games lost. They share the position with Gunma CT.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: L.Maye 18+6reb+1ast, T.Nakahigashi 18+1reb+1ast, S.Sakamoto 12+3reb+2ast, S.Eatherton 12+4reb+2ast, T.Kato 10+2ast, K.Imamura 8+4reb+2ast
Sea Horses M.: Y.Nishida 17+2reb+2ast, J.Layman 17+2reb, Z.Auguste 14+11reb+3ast, D.Gardner 10+6reb+9ast, S.Nagano 8+1reb+2ast, R.Sumino 5+1reb+1ast

Sunrockers Sh. - Alvark Tokyo 57-75

Another interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Tokyo: Alvark Tokyo (#2) and SunRockers (#5). SunRockers were smashed at home by 18 points 57-75 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. Alvark Tokyo shot 65.1 percent from the field. Alvark Tokyo outrebounded Sunrockers Sh. 34-20 including a 29-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Alvark Tokyo especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 64.7 percentage. The winners were led by the former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) who scored that evening 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) supported him with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Four Alvark Tokyo players scored in double figures. Even 14 points by American forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) did not help to save the game for Sunrockers Sh.. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) added 11 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Alvark Tokyo have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 44-16 record having just two points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Sunrockers Sh. lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 30 games lost. They share the position with FE Nagoya.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: S.Saiz 17+5reb, K.Toews 14+7ast, K.Fukuzawa 13+4reb, R.Rossiter 11+9reb+4ast, S.Ando 8, S.Okura 5+1reb
Sunrockers Sh.: K.Jones 14+3reb+2ast, J.Hawkinson 11+7reb+1ast, A.Clemmons 8+3reb+5ast, L.Vendrame 8+1reb+3ast, R.Abe 5+1ast, T.Murphy Jr. 4+3reb

Tochigi Brex - Koshigaya A. 83-69

Very predictable result when first ranked Tochigi Brex (48-12) won against at home 6th ranked Alphas (19-41) 83-69 on Sunday. Tochigi Brex dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Alphas's 26. Tochigi Brex looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by Tongan-New Zealand Isaac Fotu (203-1993, college: Hawaii) who scored that evening 14 points and 5 rebounds and American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) supported him with 9 points and 6 assists. Even 26 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) by American forward Jeff Gibbs (188-1980, college: Otterbein) did not help to save the game for Koshigaya A.. Naturalized American Kyle Richardson (200-1991, college: Portland St.) added 11 points and 9 rebounds. Four Koshigaya A. players scored in double figures. Tochigi Brex maintains first position with 48-12 record. Newly promoted Koshigaya A. keeps the sixth place with 41 games lost.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: I.Fotu 14+5reb+2ast, G.Edwards 11+2reb+3ast, M.Hiejima 10+1reb+4ast, D.Newbill 9+1reb+6ast, G.Jerrett 7+7reb+1ast, Y.Endo 6+1reb+1ast
Koshigaya A.: J.Gibbs 26+8reb+5ast, L.Peak 12+2reb, K.Richardson 11+9reb+2ast, K.Shike 10+4reb, S.Inoue 7+2reb, R.Sasakura 3+1ast

Yokohama BC - FE Nagoya 72-75

Seventh-ranked B-Corsairs (24-36) used its home court advantage to challenge sixth ranked Fighting Eagles (30-30) in Yokohama. The visitors from Nagoya managed to secure only three-point victory 75-72. However their fans expected easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 5 rebounds and the former international swingman Ryo Sadohara (192-1999) who added 24 points during the contest. Fighting Eagles' coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The best for the losing side was Filipino guard Kiefer Ravena (183-1993) with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and American Gary Clark (198-1994, college: Cincinnati) scored 22 points and 8 rebounds. FE Nagoya moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Sunrockers Sh. Yokohama BC at the other side keeps the seventh position with 36 games lost.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: R.Sadohara 24+3reb+1ast, A.Henry 23+5reb+1ast, F.Olujobi 15+2reb+1ast, S.O'Mara 5+10reb+2ast, H.Nakamura 3+2reb, R.Yasuoka 3
Yokohama BC: K.Ravena 23+5reb+5ast, G.Clark 22+8reb+2ast, M.Kotsar 12+8reb+4ast, K.Morii 6+4reb+4ast, H.Matsuzaki 5+3reb, K.Sudo 2+2reb