B3 League Round 3 (Regular Season): Tokyo Utd lose to Kagawa

Round 3 means everything may happen in B3 League as the season just started. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of United (0-1) in Tokyo on Saturday night. Hosts were rolled over by Five Arrows (3-0) 84-62. Kagawa made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game, while Tokyo Utd only scored six points from the stripe. They outrebounded Tokyo Utd 42-25 including 29 on the defensive glass. Kagawa looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Tokyo Utd helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) who scored 8 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. His fellow American import guard Tucker Haymond (195-1994, college: W.Michigan) chipped in 17 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American center Hayden Koval (216-1997, college: Cincinnati, agency: Diamond Sports) who recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Five Arrows will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. United will play at home against Kagawa (#1) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Another exciting game was between Tokyo and Dice where Tokyo (3-0) beat Dice (2-1) on the road 89-82. The game was dominated by American players. It was a good game for forward Taren Sullivan (198-1995, college: Findlay, OH) who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Donovan Clay contributed with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) answered with 9 points, 18 rebounds and 5 assists for Dice. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tokyo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tachikawa will play at home against Tokyo (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An exciting game was played in Okayama. Try Hoop faced Broncos. Host Try Hoop (3-0) defeated guests from Saitama (2-1) 82-78. The game was also dominated by American players. It was a great evening for Kameron Hankerson who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points and 5 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Trent Buttrick with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 17 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Try Hoop will meet at home Saitama (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Broncos will have a break next round.

Other games of round 3 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Shanan Utd defeated Tokyo Z in Kanagawa 81-68. Winless Tokyo Z was beaten by Shanan Utd at home 74-80. Tokushima Gam. won against Niigata A. on the opponent's court 87-84. Winless Kanazawa unfortunately lost to Yamaguchi in a home game 86-89. Winless Shinagawa recorded a loss to Gifu on the road 76-88.
The best stats of 3rd round was 15 points and 5 rebounds by Cherif Sow of Okayama.



Tokyo Z - Shanan Utd 68-81

There was no surprise in Tokyo where Earthfriends (0-4) were defeated by United (3-1) 81-68 on Friday. Shanan Utd outrebounded Tokyo Z 37-26 including 28 on the defensive glass. Shanan Utd looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a great evening for Guamanian-American guard Earnest Ross (198-1991, college: Missouri, agency: Haylett Sports) who led his team to a victory scoring 31 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. American center Jacob Polakovich (208-2000, college: S.Indiana) helped adding 22 points and 9 rebounds. United's coach Suzuki Tomoki used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was American power forward Jeremy Combs (201-1995, college: Texas Southern) with 24 points and 5 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and the other American import forward Jordan Bruner (208-1997, college: Alabama, agency: Diamond Sports) scored 9 points and 8 rebounds. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Shanan Utd: E.Ross 31+5reb+5ast, J.Polakovich 22+9reb+2ast, T.Iju 8+2reb+7ast, N.Kodai 6+2reb+2ast, U.Akito 5+2reb, S.Ryoga 4+1reb+1ast
Tokyo Z: J.Combs 24+5reb+3ast, J.Bruner 9+8reb+1ast, F.Ryoga 9+3reb+1ast, M.Benlevi 8+5reb+2ast, S.Sho 7+1reb+2ast, T.Yoshi 6

Tokyo Utd - Kagawa FA 62-84

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of United (0-1) in Tokyo on Saturday night. Hosts were rolled over by Five Arrows (3-0) 84-62. Kagawa made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game, while Tokyo Utd only scored six points from the stripe. They outrebounded Tokyo Utd 42-25 including 29 on the defensive glass. Kagawa looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Tokyo Utd helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) who scored 8 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. His fellow American import guard Tucker Haymond (195-1994, college: W.Michigan) chipped in 17 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American center Hayden Koval (216-1997, college: Cincinnati, agency: Diamond Sports) who recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks and Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-1996) added 13 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Five Arrows will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. United will play at home against Kagawa (#1) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Kagawa FA: T.Haymond 17+4reb+2ast, A.Davis 11+3reb+1ast, T.Katsumi 9+1reb+1ast, J.Lampkin 8+14reb+5ast, K.Takumi 8+4reb+1ast, U.Yuya 8+4ast
Tokyo Utd: R.Vague 13+4reb+3ast, K.Ren 10+1reb+5ast, H.Koval 10+10reb+2ast, T.Shinnosuke 6+1reb, T.Dan 5+1reb+5ast, H.Hiroki 5+3reb+2ast

Tokyo Z - Shanan Utd 74-80

No shocking result in a game in Tokyo where United (3-1) defeated Earthfriends (0-4) 80-74 on Saturday. Shanan Utd looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a great evening for Guamanian-American guard Earnest Ross (198-1991, college: Missouri, agency: Haylett Sports) who led his team to a victory scoring 39 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds. American center Jacob Polakovich (208-2000, college: S.Indiana) helped adding 26 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. United's coach Suzuki Tomoki used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was American power forward Jeremy Combs (201-1995, college: Texas Southern) with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import forward Malik Benlevi (198-1997, college: Georgia St.) scored 16 points. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Shanan Utd: E.Ross 39+7reb+2ast, J.Polakovich 26+14reb+5ast, T.Iju 10+2reb+6ast, N.Kodai 3+1reb, T.Shinya 2+4reb+2ast, T.Aiki 0+1reb+1ast
Tokyo Z: J.Combs 19+10reb+5ast, M.Benlevi 16+4reb+2ast, F.Ryoga 16+3reb+3ast, J.Bruner 8+4reb+1ast, T.Yoshi 6+2reb+1ast, S.Sho 6+1ast

Tachikawa - Tokyo HT 82-89

Another exciting game was between Tokyo and Dice where Tokyo (3-0) beat Dice (2-1) on the road 89-82. Hachioji Trains brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. The game was dominated by American players. It was a good game for forward Taren Sullivan (198-1995, college: Findlay, OH) who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Swingman Donovan Clay (203-2001, college: Missouri St.) contributed with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four Hachioji Trains players scored in double figures. Forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) answered with 9 points, 18 rebounds and 5 assists and power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-1990, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) added 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Dice. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tokyo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tachikawa will play at home against Tokyo (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tokyo HT: T.Sullivan 19+9reb+2ast, Y.Fuki 16+3reb+4ast, D.Clay 13+7reb+4ast, K.Takaya 11+8reb+3ast, J.Janssen 9+3reb, O.Hiroya 7+2reb+3ast
Tachikawa: A.Fitzgerald 15+5reb+4ast, S.Fumiya 14+3reb+1ast, O.Shota 10, L.Peak 10+6reb+1ast, M.Ousu 9+2reb+1ast, G.Rokas 9+18reb+5ast

Niigata A. - Tokushima Gam. 84-87

Very expected game in Niigata where Albirex (0-3) was edged by Gambarous (3-0) 87-84 on Saturday. Tokushima Gam. looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. It was a great evening for Canadian center Chris McLaughlin (208-1992, college: Victoria) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds. American power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) helped adding 22 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. The best for the losing side was American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds and American center Jacob Polakovich (208-2000, college: S.Indiana) scored 15 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Gambarous will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Albirex will play against Tokushima Gam. (#3) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Tokushima Gam.: T.Dawson 22+6reb+7ast, C.McLaughlin 21+12reb+3ast, N.Moriyama 21+3reb, R.Logan 11+1reb+3ast, R.Adams 4+1reb, A.Teruya 3+1reb
Niigata A.: E.Phelps 19+10reb+2ast, P.Isaiah 15+4reb+3ast, J.Mutombo 12+7reb, H.Aruma 12+2reb+5ast, H.Aoi 6+1ast, H.Yasuaki 5

Kanazawa - Yamaguchi 86-89

But Samuraiz was not able to use a home court advantage and was edged by the opponent from Yamaguchi 89-86 on Saturday night. Yamaguchi forced 19 Kanazawa turnovers. It was a great evening for American center Antavion Collum (206-2000, college: McNeese St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). helped adding 22 points and 6 rebounds. Four Pats Five players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was New Zealand forward Hyrum Harris (204-1996, college: Umpqua CC) with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 19 rebounds and 9 assists and American power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) scored 21 points (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Pats Five will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Samuraiz will play against Yamaguchi (#9) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Yamaguchi: A.Collum 22+7reb+5ast, B.Even 22+6reb+1ast, Y.Rikiya 12+4reb+3ast, K.Shuto 10+2reb+6ast, T.Enokida 8+2reb+1ast, H.Bostyn 6+2reb
Kanazawa: C.Jediael 21+4reb+1ast, O.Takayuki 13+3reb+3ast, H.Harris 12+19reb+9ast, K.Allen 9+4reb, M.Ryuji 8+4ast, I.Ayumu 6

Gifu - Shinagawa 88-76

Not a big story in a game in Gifu where Shinagawa (0-3) was defeated by Swoops (2-1) 88-76 on Saturday. Gifu looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for American forward Blake Preston (206-2000, college: Northwestern) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). point guard Reo Yamazaki (179-1999) helped adding 16 points. The best for the losing side was American forward Victor Hart (203-2001, college: Southern Miss) with 16 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import guard Jaycee Hillsman (200-1996, college: Illinois St.) scored 12 points and 7 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Swoops will again meet at home Shinagawa (#14) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Shinagawa will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Gifu: B.Preston 20+10reb, D.Fotu 16+4reb, R.Yamazaki 16+2reb+3ast, J.Giles 14+3reb+1ast, A.Ryoya 7+1reb+5ast, T.Kodai 7+1reb+9ast
Shinagawa: V.Hart 16+8reb+3ast, R.Tawatari 13+1reb+4ast, J.Hillsman 12+7reb, K.Yudai 11+2reb+1ast, O.Tomoya 9+2reb+2ast, G.Vasiliauskas 8+8reb+2ast

Okayama - Saitama 82-78

An exciting game was played in Okayama. Try Hoop faced Broncos. Host Try Hoop (3-0) defeated guests from Saitama (2-1) 82-78. Strangely Saitama outrebounded Okayama 41-29 including a 18-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. The game was also dominated by American players. It was a great evening for guard Kameron Hankerson (196-1998, college: Green Bay, agency: 011 Sports) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points and 5 rebounds. Forward Cherif Sow (201-1992) helped adding 15 points and 5 rebounds. The best for the losing side was forward Trent Buttrick (206-1998, college: UMass) with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 17 rebounds and Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) scored 16 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Try Hoop will meet at home Saitama (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Broncos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Okayama: K.Hankerson 17+5reb+3ast, T.King 16+6reb, C.Sow 15+5reb+3ast, M.Yusuke 12+1reb, Y.Toshiki 9+2reb+4ast, J.Scott 6+8reb
Saitama: D.Oliver 16+6reb+2ast, T.Buttrick 15+17reb+1ast, M.Yuta 10+3reb+3ast, T.Nesmith 8+6reb+1ast, I.Shota 7+1ast, A.Tajima 6+1reb+1ast