B1 League Round 7 (Regular Season): Sendai 89ers edge San-en NP by one point

Round 7 means everything may happen in B1 League as the season just started. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 7 in the B1 League took place in Sendai. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 8th ranked NeoPhoenix (3-4) to third ranked 89ers (5-2) 87-86 on Sunday evening. Host team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. 24 personal fouls committed by San-en NP helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) fired 40 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds for the winners. chipped in 18 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). American-Nigerian swingman David Nwaba (195-1993, college: Cal Poly) produced 28 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. 89ers have a solid series of three victories in a row. Sendai 89ers maintains third place with 5-2 record having just two points less than leader Nagasaki, which they share with Hiroshima D. San-en NP at the other side dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Sendai 89ers is looking forward to face Hokkaido L. (#5) in Sapporo in the next round. San-en NP will play at home against Kawasaki and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Tokyo. First ranked Velca faced 4th placed SunRockers. Guests from Nagasaki (6-1) smashed host SunRockers (4-3) 92-69. Worth to mention a great performance of American Stanley Johnson (201-1996, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 6 rebounds. Hyunjung Lee contributed with 20 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) answered with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for Sunrockers Sh.The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Velca have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Nagasaki maintains first place with 6-1 record, which they share with Nagoya DD and Tochigi Brex. Sunrockers Sh. at the other side keeps the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. Nagasaki will play against Toyama G. (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sunrockers Sh. will play against the league's leader Chiba Jets (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Undefeated leader Jets delivered the seventh consecutive victory on Sunday night. This time they beat 5th ranked Thunders (3-4) 84-70 in Chiba. It was a great evening for Yuta Watanabe who led his team to a victory scoring 27 points and 7 rebounds. Jets' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side Kerry Blackshear Jr responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for Jets. Chiba Jets maintains first place with 7-0 record. Loser Thunders dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Chiba Jets will meet at home Sunrockers Sh. (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Gunma CT will play against Ryukyu in Okinawa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games of round 7 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Ryukyu crushed Akita NH in Okinawa 89-69. Hiroshima D. beat Saga B. at home 91-79. FE Nagoya lost to Hokkaido L. on the opponent's court 74-90. Shiga L-Stars unfortunately lost to Osaka E. in a home game 72-80. Yokohama BC was rolled over Shimane SM on the road 82-101. Chiba defeated Toyama G. on its own court 86-84. Ibaraki R. was beaten by Alvark Tokyo in a road game 94-84. Kawasaki lost to Nagoya DD at home 73-90. Kyoto H. managed to outperform Koshigaya A. on the opponent's court 73-67. Sea Horses M. lost to defending champion Tochigi Brex in a home game 92-98.
The best stats of 7th round was 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists by Nassir Little of Chiba Jets.



Akita NH - Ryukyu GK 69-89

There was no surprise in Akita where 11th ranked Happinets (1-6) were crushed by seventh ranked Golden Kings (4-3) 89-69 on Sunday. Ryukyu made 22-of-25 free shots (88.0 percent) during the game. Ryukyu outrebounded Akita NH 41-25 including a 31-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great evening for American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). His fellow American import forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) helped adding 20 points and 8 rebounds. Four Golden Kings players scored in double figures. At the losing side New Zealand-German center Yannick Wetzell (206-1996, college: SDSU) responded with 24 points and 9 rebounds and South Korean swingman Hyunjung Lee (201-2000, college: Davidson) scored 5 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ryukyu moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Akita NH lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the eleventh position with six games lost. They share it with Kawasaki and Ibaraki R.. Ryukyu will meet at home Gunma CT (#8) in the next round. Akita NH will play against Shimane SM and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: V.Law 20+8reb, J.Cooley 20+11reb+3ast, A.Kirk 13+8reb, K.Aluma 10+5reb+1ast, M.Yoshiyuki 6+4ast, K.Ryuichi 6+1reb+2ast
Akita NH: Y.Wetzell 24+9reb, T.Leissner 14+2reb, K.Pinder 9+3reb, A.Raita 6+1ast, N.Takuya 5+7reb+6ast, S.Teru 4+1reb+3ast

Hiroshima D. - Saga B. 91-79

No shocking result in a game in Hiroshima where third ranked Dragonflies (5-2) defeated 5th ranked Ballooners (3-4) 91-79 on Sunday. The game was dominated by American players. It was a great evening for forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds. Forward Nick Mayo (206-1997, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) helped adding 17 points and 5 rebounds. Five Dragonflies players scored in double figures. Dragonflies' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side power forward Tanner Groves (208-1999, college: Oklahoma) responded with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 12 rebounds and David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) scored 20 points and 6 rebounds. The victory was the third consecutive win for Dragonflies. Hiroshima D. maintains third place with 5-2 record having just two points less than leader Nagasaki, which they share with Sendai 89ers. Loser Ballooners dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Hiroshima D. will meet Osaka E. (#7) on the road in the next round. Saga B. will play against Koshigaya A. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: D.Evans 23+12reb+3ast, N.Mayo 17+5reb+3ast, C.Smith 15+2reb+4ast, K.Cockburn 12+8reb+3ast, S.Ryosei 11+5reb+1ast, T.Ito 5+2reb+3ast
Saga B.: T.Groves 28+12reb+1ast, D.Dudzinski 20+6reb+2ast, A.Ryo 11+2reb+4ast, J.Harrellson 7+6reb+3ast, K.Kosuke 6+2reb, S.Taiki 4+2reb+5ast

Hokkaido L. - FE Nagoya 90-74

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both seventh ranked Sapporo and 6th ranked Fighting Eagles had identical 3-3 record. This time Sapporo used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Nagoya 90-74 on Sunday night. Hokkaido L. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a great evening for Nigerian-American center Jahlil Okafor (211-1995, college: Duke) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points and 7 rebounds. International guard Keisei Tominaga (188-2001, college: Nebraska) helped adding 21 points. Five Sapporo players scored in double figures. At the losing side American Jamorko Pickett (206-1997, college: Georgetown) responded with 21 points and the other American import power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) scored 14 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Hokkaido L. (4-3) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Fighting Eagles dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Hokkaido L. will meet at home higher ranked Sendai 89ers (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. FE Nagoya will play against Sea Horses M. (#13) in Kariya and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: K.Tominaga 21+1reb+1ast, J.Okafor 17+7reb+3ast, K.Jones 13+6reb, R.Dwight 13+1reb+8ast, S.Gohei 12+3reb+1ast, J.Harrar 6+8reb
FE Nagoya: J.Pickett 21+4reb, S.O'Mara 14+9reb, Y.Ryuto 8+1reb+1ast, J.Jones 7+9reb+3ast, N.Namizato 6+1reb+4ast, S.Tensho 6+2ast

Sendai 89ers - San-en NP 87-86

The most exciting game of round 7 in the B1 League took place in Sendai. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 8th ranked NeoPhoenix (3-4) to third ranked 89ers (5-2) 87-86 on Sunday evening. Host team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. 24 personal fouls committed by San-en NP helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) fired 40 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds for the winners. chipped in 18 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). American-Nigerian swingman David Nwaba (195-1993, college: Cal Poly) produced 28 points and 6 rebounds and American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) added 24 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four San-en NP players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. 89ers have a solid series of three victories in a row. Sendai 89ers maintains third place with 5-2 record having just two points less than leader Nagasaki, which they share with Hiroshima D. San-en NP at the other side dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Sendai 89ers is looking forward to face Hokkaido L. (#5) in Sapporo in the next round. San-en NP will play at home against Kawasaki and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: J.Culver 40+6reb+3ast, W.Shota 18+3reb, N.Boothe 9+6reb+1ast, S.El Darwich 9+8ast, A.Yusho 4+2reb+2ast, B.Toure 3+9reb
San-en NP: D.Nwaba 28+6reb+3ast, Y.Maten 24+10reb+3ast, O.Sota 16+4reb+8ast, Y.Hirotaka 11+2reb+5ast, K.Junior 3+1reb, W.Hayato 2+1reb

Shiga L-Stars - Osaka E. 72-80

There was a surprise result in Shiga where eleventh ranked Evessa (3-4) beat 4th placed Lakestars (4-3) 80-72 on Sunday. It was a great evening for Ukrainian center Volodymyr Gerun (208-1994, college: Portland) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points and 7 rebounds. American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) helped adding 13 points and 12 rebounds. Four Evessa players scored in double figures. At the losing side American forward Thomas Wimbush (201-1993, college: Fairmont St., agency: Slash Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds and American-German power forward Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals (made all of his nine free throws !!!). Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Osaka E. moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Lakestars keep the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. Osaka E. will meet at home higher ranked Hiroshima D. (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Shiga L-Stars will play against the league's second-placed Tochigi Brex having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: V.Gerun 24+7reb, R.Parks 14+5reb, M.Bonds 13+12reb+3ast, K.Makoto 10+1reb+5ast, S.Seiga 7+1reb+4ast, S.Tatsuya 7+1reb+2ast
Shiga L-Stars: T.Wimbush 21+10reb+3ast, R.Kriener 19+7reb+4ast, Z.Auguste 12+3reb, O.Taiki 7+3reb+1ast, Y.Ai-Che 6+2ast, D.Nomoto 3+3reb

Shimane SM - Yokohama BC 101-82

There was a minor upset in Shimane where their close opponent B-Corsairs (2-5) were outplayed by tenth ranked Magic (4-3) 101-82 on Sunday. Shimane SM dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to B-Corsairs's 34. Shimane SM looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. It was a great evening for Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) who led his team to a victory scoring 22 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. helped adding 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Five Magic players scored in double figures. At the losing side French power forward Damien Inglis (206-1995, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds and the former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) scored 22 points and 7 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shimane SM moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Yokohama BC lost their fifth game in a row. They dropped to the ninth position with five games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Shimane SM will meet Akita NH (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Yokohama BC will play against Ibaraki R. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shimane SM: N.Kay 22+6reb+6ast, O.Yuta 21+7reb+5ast, C.Clarke 15+6reb+10ast, J.McAdoo 15+14reb+2ast, N.Yuto 10+1ast, N.Taichi 7+2reb+1ast
Yokohama BC: S.Ando 22+1reb+7ast, D.Inglis 20+12reb+1ast, K.Ravena 15+3reb+2ast, G.Clark 8+4reb, M.Kenta 6+4ast, K.King 5+1reb+1ast

Chiba - Toyama G. 86-84

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both sixth ranked Chiba and 9th ranked Grouses had identical 3-3 record. This time Chiba used a home court advantage and edged the opponent from Toyama 86-84 on Sunday night. Chiba looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a great evening for American Brandon Ashley (206-1994, college: Arizona) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international Luke Evans (203-1991, college: CBU) helped adding 17 points and 12 rebounds. At the losing side Australian forward Brock Motum (208-1990, college: WSU, agency: Slash Sports) responded with 32 points and 8 rebounds and the former international forward Naoki Uto (191-1991) scored 14 points and 4 assists. Grouses' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Chiba (4-3) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Toyama G. at the other side, also newcomer in the league, dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Chiba will meet league's second-placed Nagoya DD on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Toyama G. will play against the league's leader Nagasaki (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Chiba: B.Ashley 23+11reb+4ast, L.Evans 17+12reb+3ast, R.Maeda 11+2reb+3ast, T.Porter 9+12reb+2ast, S.Kei 8+3reb+7ast, K.Kotetsu 7+2ast
Toyama G.: B.Motum 32+8reb+2ast, N.Uto 14+2reb+4ast, O.Yuzo 11+4reb+4ast, T.Kell III 9+5reb+4ast, Y.Morin 8+8reb+4ast, M.Kazuki 5+2reb+1ast

Alvark Tokyo - Ibaraki R. 94-84

There was no surprise in Tokyo where 12th ranked Robots (1-6) were defeated by ninth ranked Alvark (3-4) 94-84 on Sunday. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a great evening for American Marcus Foster (191-1995, college: Creighton) who led his team to a victory scoring 27 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. The former international guard Kai Toews (188-1998, college: UNCW) helped adding 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Alvark players scored in double figures. At the losing side American forward Robert Franks (205-1996, college: WSU) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import Tyler Cook (206-1997, college: Iowa) scored 26 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Alvark. Alvark Tokyo moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 6 other teams. Ibaraki R. lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the eleventh position with six games lost. They share it with Kawasaki and Akita NH. Alvark Tokyo will meet Kyoto H. (#12) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Ibaraki R. will play against Yokohama BC and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: M.Foster 27+6reb+8ast, K.Toews 14+5reb+6ast, S.Saiz 11+6reb, A.Shuto 10+4reb+2ast, B.Zack 8+3ast, O.Sota 8+2reb
Ibaraki R.: R.Franks 26+10reb+3ast, T.Cook 26+5reb+1ast, E.Jacobsen 14+7reb+2ast, A.Hirao 5+2ast, H.Noboru 4+2reb+1ast, T.Keita 3+4reb

Kawasaki BT - Nagoya DD 73-90

No shocking result in a game in Kanagawa where second ranked Dolphins (6-1) defeated 13th ranked Brave Thunders (1-6) 90-73 on Sunday. Nagoya DD made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a great evening for naturalized American Kyle Richardson (200-1991, college: Portland St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points and 9 rebounds. American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) helped adding 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. At the losing side Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 12 rebounds and American center Emanuel Terry (206-1996, college: LMU) scored 10 points and 9 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. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Dolphins. Nagoya DD keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Tochigi Brex and Nagasaki. Kawasaki lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the eleventh place with six games lost. They share the position with Akita NH and Ibaraki R.. Nagoya DD will meet at home Chiba (#4) in the next round. Kawasaki will play against San-en NP (#10) in Hamamatsu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: K.Richardson 18+9reb+1ast, A.Henry 14+5reb+5ast, K.Imamura 12+5reb+3ast, H.Tenketsu 11+3reb, H.Ozawa 10+2reb, I.Murphy 9+4reb+1ast
Kawasaki BT: R.Allen 27+12reb+3ast, T.Shota 14+1reb+2ast, D.Ristic 11+9reb+1ast, E.Terry 10+9reb+2ast, I.Ryo 3+1reb+1ast, S.Ryusei 3+1reb+2ast

Koshigaya A. - Kyoto H. 67-73

There was a minor upset in Tokyo where higher ranked Alphas (2-5) were defeated by thirteenth ranked Hannaryz (2-5) 73-67 on Sunday. Kyoto H. forced 20 Koshigaya A. turnovers. It was a great evening for Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists. helped adding 26 points. Four Hannaryz players scored in double figures. At the losing side Kazakhstan-American point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) responded with 20 points and 4 assists and Guinean-French Sekou Doumbouya (206-2000) scored 9 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kyoto H. moved-up to ninth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Koshigaya A.. Kyoto H. will meet at home higher ranked Alvark Tokyo (#7) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Koshigaya A. will play against Saga B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: O.Asato 26+3reb+1ast, T.Furukawa 16+2reb, A.Caloiaro 13+12reb+8ast, R.Shibuta 11+1reb+1ast, H.Mone 5+3reb+1ast, K.Hayato 2+1ast
Koshigaya A.: A.Clemmons 20+3reb+4ast, M.Shun 13+1reb+2ast, J.Martin 11+3reb, S.Doumbouya 9+10reb+3ast, K.Shuhei 8+4reb+4ast, I.Yuichi 6+2reb+4ast

Sea Horses M. - Tochigi Brex 92-98

Very predictable result in Kariya where second ranked Tochigi Brex (6-1) beat 12th ranked SeaHorses (2-5) 98-92 on Sunday. Tochigi Brex looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. It was a great evening for American power forward Gavin Edwards (206-1988, college: UConn, agency: Octagon Europe) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points and 8 rebounds. His fellow American import guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) helped adding 21 points and 12 assists. At the losing side Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 20 points and 5 assists and American forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) scored 18 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Nagoya DD and Nagasaki. Sea Horses M. lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the ninth place with five games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Tochigi Brex will meet at home Shiga L-Stars (#4) in the next round. Sea Horses M. will play against FE Nagoya (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: G.Edwards 25+8reb+2ast, D.Newbill 21+12ast, F.Isaac 13+2reb+4ast, E.Yusuke 11+3reb+2ast, M.Hiejima 10+4reb+3ast, T.Kosuke 5+6reb
Sea Horses M.: N.Yudai 20+4reb+5ast, J.Layman 18+6reb+2ast, K.Yoshiaki 17+3reb+4ast, D.Gardner 12+7reb+6ast, S.Yutaroh 11+2reb+3ast, T.Kennedy 4

Sunrockers Sh. - Nagasaki 69-92

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Tokyo. First ranked Velca faced 4th placed SunRockers. Guests from Nagasaki (6-1) smashed host SunRockers (4-3) 92-69. Nagasaki players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American Stanley Johnson (201-1996, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 6 rebounds. South Korean swingman Hyunjung Lee (201-2000, college: Davidson) contributed with 20 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) answered with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and American-Qatari forward Donte Grantham (203-1995, college: Clemson) added 11 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Sunrockers Sh.Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Velca have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Nagasaki maintains first place with 6-1 record, which they share with Nagoya DD and Tochigi Brex. Sunrockers Sh. at the other side keeps the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with 5 other teams. Nagasaki will play against Toyama G. (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sunrockers Sh. will play against the league's leader Chiba Jets (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: S.Johnson 25+6reb+2ast, H.Lee 20+5reb+2ast, J.Brantley 17+2reb+5ast, Y.Baba 10+6reb+5ast, A.Mitchell 7+14reb+3ast, K.Masaya 6
Sunrockers Sh.: J.Hawkinson 17+8reb+4ast, T.Daiki 13+1reb+3ast, H.Jr John 12+1reb+2ast, D.Grantham 11+8reb+1ast, D.Louzada 6+2reb+1ast, T.Welsh 4+9reb+2ast

Chiba Jets - Gunma CT 84-70

Undefeated leader Jets delivered the seventh consecutive victory on Sunday night. This time they beat 5th ranked Thunders (3-4) 84-70 in Chiba. Chiba Jets had a 31-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was a great evening for the former international forward Yuta Watanabe (206-1994, college: GWU) who led his team to a victory scoring 27 points and 7 rebounds. American forward Nassir Little (199-2000, college: UNC, agency: Pensack Sports) helped adding 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Jets' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds and the other American import guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) scored 16 points. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for Jets. Chiba Jets maintains first place with 7-0 record. Loser Thunders dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Chiba Jets will meet at home Sunrockers Sh. (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Gunma CT will play against Ryukyu in Okinawa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: Y.Watanabe 27+7reb+3ast, N.Little 21+7reb+4ast, D.Hogg 13+4reb+4ast, S.Riku 8+3ast, Y.Togashi 5+1reb+5ast, J.Mooney 4+12reb+3ast
Gunma CT: K.Blackshear Jr. 22+11reb+2ast, T.McKinney-Jones 16+4reb+2ast, A.Edu 8+8reb+2ast, F.Yuma 6+1reb+5ast, T.Naoto 6+1reb+3ast, J.Thiemann 5+5reb+1ast