B3 League Round 7 (Regular Season): Yamaguchi hands first loss to Tokyo

There were just 7 rounds played in Regular Season of B3 League and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was the first loss of Hachioji Trains (6-1) in Tokyo on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by thirteenth ranked Pats Five (2-5) 77-65. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Hachioji Trains. 25 personal fouls committed by Tokyo helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 14 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). American center Antavion Collum (206-2000, college: McNeese St.) contributed with 11 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. American swingman Donovan Clay (203-2001, college: Missouri St.) answered with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 13 rebounds for Tokyo. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Yamaguchi moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Kanazawa. Tokyo at the other side keeps the second position with one game lost. They share it with Okayama. Yamaguchi will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tokyo will play at home against Yamaguchi and is hoping to win this game.
B3 League top team - Gambarous (7-0) added another victory to their record. This time they beat ninth ranked Samuraiz (2-5) in Ishikawa 84-77. It was a great evening for American power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) who led his team to a victory scoring 29 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Roosevelt Adams helped adding 20 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side Dutch forward Jediael Cordilia (206-2002, college: Mt.St.Mary's) responded with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Undefeated Gambarous have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. Tokushima Gam. maintains first place with 7-0 record. Kanazawa at the other side dropped to the tenth position with five games lost. They share it with Yamaguchi. Tokushima Gam. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kanazawa will play at home against the league's leader Tokushima Gam. (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Earthfriends is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their fifth consecutive match to fifth ranked Broncos (5-2) 82-50 on Saturday evening. American players dominated the game. It was an exceptional evening for Devin Oliver who led the winners and scored 22 points and 7 rebounds. Jeremy Combs came up with 16 points and 8 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for Tokyo Z in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Saitama moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Kagawa. Tokyo Z lost their fifth game in a row. They still close the standings with five games lost. Saitama will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tokyo Z will play against Saitama (#5) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Other games in round 7 were not that significant. Winless Shinagawa was smashed by Niigata A. on the road 117-61. Okayama won against Shanan Utd on its own court 70-60. Veertien Mie was outscored by Kagawa in Takamatsu 92-61.
The most impressive performance of 7th round was 10 points and 10 rebounds by Alex Davis of Kagawa FA.



Tokyo HT - Yamaguchi 65-77

The most surprising game was the first loss of Hachioji Trains (6-1) in Tokyo on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by thirteenth ranked Pats Five (2-5) 77-65. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Hachioji Trains. 25 personal fouls committed by Tokyo helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 14 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). American center Antavion Collum (206-2000, college: McNeese St.) contributed with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Five Pats Five players scored in double figures. American swingman Donovan Clay (203-2001, college: Missouri St.) answered with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 13 rebounds and added 12 points in the effort for Tokyo. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Yamaguchi moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Kanazawa. Tokyo at the other side keeps the second position with one game lost. They share it with Okayama. Yamaguchi will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tokyo will play at home against Yamaguchi and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Yamaguchi: B.Even 21+14reb+3ast, I.Yuki 14+2reb+2ast, A.Collum 11+10reb+1ast, K.Shuto 11+2reb+2ast, Y.Rikiya 10+2reb+3ast, T.Enokida 7+6reb
Tokyo HT: K.Takaya 12+4reb+1ast, Y.Oshiro 12+3reb+1ast, D.Clay 11+13reb+2ast, T.Sullivan 7+2reb+4ast, Y.Fuki 7+1reb+3ast, J.Janssen 6+3reb

Tokyo Z - Saitama 50-82

Bottom-ranked Earthfriends is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their fifth consecutive match to fifth ranked Broncos (5-2) 82-50 on Saturday evening. Saitama forced 19 Tokyo Z turnovers and outrebounded them 45-31 including 33 on the defensive glass. Saitama looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Tokyo Z's players. American players dominated the game. It was an exceptional evening for Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) who led the winners and scored 22 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Trent Buttrick (206-1998, college: UMass) accounted for 13 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side. Power forward Jeremy Combs (201-1995, college: Texas Southern) came up with 16 points and 8 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) and forward Malik Benlevi (198-1997, college: Georgia St.) added 6 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Tokyo Z in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Saitama moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Kagawa. Tokyo Z lost their fifth game in a row. They still close the standings with five games lost. Saitama will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tokyo Z will play against Saitama (#5) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Saitama: D.Oliver 22+7reb+3ast, T.Buttrick 13+12reb+3ast, R.Kondo 11+1reb+1ast, T.Nesmith 9+9reb+1ast, M.Keijuro 5+1reb+2ast, W.Creekmore 5+3reb
Tokyo Z: J.Combs 16+8reb+1ast, J.Bruner 9+4reb, S.Sho 7+5reb+3ast, M.Benlevi 6+7reb+2ast, J.Spencer 5+2reb+1ast, H.Doi 3

Niigata A. - Shinagawa 117-61

No shocking result in a game when tenth ranked Albirex (3-4) crushed bottom-ranked Shinagawa (0-7) in Niigata 117-61 on Saturday. Niigata A. dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Shinagawa's 32. Niigata A. forced 19 Shinagawa turnovers and outrebounded them 38-21 including 16 on the offensive glass. Niigata A. looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists comparing to just 15 passes made by Shinagawa's players. It was an exceptional evening for American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) who led the winners and scored 24 points and 8 rebounds (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field). American forward BJ Mack (203-2000, college: S.Carolina) accounted for 22 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. Four Albirex players scored in double figures. American guard Jaycee Hillsman (200-1996, college: Illinois St.) came up with 22 points and Lithuanian Grantas Vasiliauskas (204-1999) added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Shinagawa in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. The victory was the third consecutive win for Albirex. Niigata A. moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Shanan Utd. Shinagawa lost their seventh game in a row. They still close the standings with seven games lost. Niigata A. will again meet at home bottom-ranked Shinagawa (#15) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Shinagawa will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Niigata A.: E.Phelps 24+8reb+2ast, B.Mack 22+7reb+2ast, N.Mitsuki 19+3reb+3ast, J.Mutombo 12+6reb+1ast, P.Pogue 9+2reb+1ast, P.Isaiah 9+6reb+5ast
Shinagawa: J.Hillsman 22+4reb+3ast, G.Vasiliauskas 12+7reb+2ast, H.Seiya 8, O.Tomoya 7+5reb+3ast, Y.Hibiki 6, R.Tawatari 6+1reb+6ast

Kanazawa - Tokushima Gam. 77-84

B3 League top team - Gambarous (7-0) added another victory to their record. This time they beat ninth ranked Samuraiz (2-5) in Ishikawa 84-77. Tokushima Gam. outrebounded Kanazawa 41-29 including a 31-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great evening for American power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) who led his team to a victory scoring 29 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. American-Filipino guard Roosevelt Adams (196-1998, college: Idaho Coll.) helped adding 20 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side Dutch forward Jediael Cordilia (206-2002, college: Mt.St.Mary's) responded with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds and New Zealand forward Hyrum Harris (204-1996, college: Umpqua CC) scored 10 points and 9 rebounds. Five Kanazawa players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Gambarous have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. Tokushima Gam. maintains first place with 7-0 record. Kanazawa at the other side dropped to the tenth position with five games lost. They share it with Yamaguchi. Tokushima Gam. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kanazawa will play at home against the league's leader Tokushima Gam. (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Tokushima Gam.: T.Dawson 29+6reb+6ast, R.Adams 20+6reb, I.Eitaro 11, R.Logan 6+8reb, N.Moriyama 6+1reb, C.McLaughlin 5+12reb+3ast
Kanazawa: M.Gashu 13+1reb+4ast, O.Takayuki 12+4ast, T.Issei 11+3reb+1ast, K.Allen 10+3reb+3ast, J.Cordilia 10+10reb+3ast, H.Harris 10+9reb

Okayama - Shanan Utd 70-60

Very expected game when 7th ranked United (3-4) lost to third ranked Try Hoop (6-1) in Okayama 60-70 on Saturday. American players dominated also this game. It was an exceptional evening for forward Terrance King (198-1990, college: ESU, agency: Diamond Sports) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Kameron Hankerson (196-1998, college: Green Bay, agency: 011 Sports) accounted for 12 points and 4 assists for the winning side. Four Try Hoop players scored in double figures. Center Jacob Polakovich (208-2000, college: S.Indiana) came up with 21 points and 8 rebounds and forward Christian Cunningham (201-1997, college: Jax State) added 9 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Shanan Utd in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Try Hoop. Okayama moved-up to second place, which they share with Tokyo. Shanan Utd lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the eighth position with four games lost. They share it with Niigata A.. Okayama will meet at home Shanan Utd (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Shanan Utd will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Okayama: T.King 20+10reb+3ast, F.Mamadou 13+3reb+2ast, K.Hankerson 12+3reb+4ast, C.Sow 10+5reb, M.Yusuke 7+1ast, W.Kouki 5+1reb
Shanan Utd: J.Polakovich 21+8reb, T.Iju 11+3reb+1ast, C.Cunningham 9+7reb, E.Ross 8+6reb, S.Shuki 5+3reb+7ast, U.Akito 3+2ast

Kagawa FA - Veertien Mie 92-61

Very predictable result when fourth ranked Five Arrows (5-2) rolled over 12th ranked Veertien Mie (1-4) in Takamatsu 92-61 on Saturday. Kagawa dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Veertien Mie's 34. They outrebounded Veertien Mie 41-22 including a 27-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. Kagawa looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Veertien Mie's players. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Alex Davis (206-1992, college: Fresno St., agency: Diamond Sports) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds. accounted for 13 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Four Five Arrows players scored in double figures. American power forward Damonte Dodd (211-1994, college: Maryland) came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds and Latvian Matiss Kulackovskis (203-1997, college: BGSU) added 13 points respectively for Veertien Mie in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Kagawa maintains fourth place with 5-2 record, which they share with Saitama. Loser Veertien Mie dropped to the thirteenth position with four games lost. Kagawa will again meet at home Veertien Mie (#13) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Veertien Mie will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kagawa FA: K.Patrick 13+8reb+1ast, T.Haymond 12+4reb+3ast, J.Lampkin 12+4reb+2ast, A.Davis 10+10reb+3ast, T.Ikumi 9+2ast, S.Daisuke 8
Veertien Mie: D.Dodd 17+12reb+1ast, M.Kulackovskis 13+1reb+1ast, Y.Kolo 9+4reb+1ast, M.Yasuyuki 6+6ast, K.Tatsuya 4+2reb+1ast, H.Shota 3+1reb