B3 League Round 8 (Regular Season): Tokushima Gam. lose their first game against Samuraiz

After 8 rounds played we can already see who rules in the B3 League and who belongs to weaker ones. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was the first loss of Gambarous (7-1) in Ishikawa on Sunday night. Visitors were edged by eleventh ranked Samuraiz (3-5) 77-76. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Gambarous. Kanazawa dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Gambarous's 30. Worth to mention a great performance of Dutch forward Jediael Cordilia (206-2002, college: Mt.St.Mary's) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 9 rebounds and New Zealand forward Hyrum Harris (204-1996, college: Umpqua CC) who added 12 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Canadian center Chris McLaughlin (208-1992, college: Victoria, agency: Starting 5) responded with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 13 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Kanazawa moved-up to tenth place. Tokushima Gam. at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with Tokyo. Kanazawa are looking forward to face Tokyo Z (#14) at home in the next round. Tokushima Gam. will play against Tokyo Utd (#12) and is hoping to win this game.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Try Hoop (6-2) against ninth ranked United (4-4) on Sunday night. Host Try Hoop was defeated by United in Okayama 82-70. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Try Hoop. The winners were led by American center Jacob Polakovich (208-2000, college: S.Indiana) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds and Takaya Iju supported him with 7 points and 6 assists. Even a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds by American forward Terrance King (198-1990, college: ESU, agency: Diamond Sports) did not help to save the game for Okayama. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shanan Utd moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Niigata A. Okayama at the other side dropped to the third position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Shanan Utd will play against Niigata A. (#7) on the road in the next round. Okayama will play against Tachikawa (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Earthfriends (0-6) is still winless. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their sixth consecutive match to fifth ranked Broncos (6-2) 76-67 on Sunday evening. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was Devin Oliver who scored 19 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Broncos' coach Shugaku Izumi used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Jeremy Combs produced 18 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Saitama moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Earthfriends still closes the standings with six games lost. Saitama will meet Gifu (#9) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Tokyo Z will play against Kanazawa (#10) in Ishikawa and hopes to get finally their first victory.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 8: winless Shinagawa was destroyed by Niigata A. on the opponent's court 99-78. Kagawa outscored Veertien Mie in a home game 77-45. Tachikawa managed to beat Tokyo Utd on the road 90-89. Tokyo Utd was defeated by Tachikawa on its own court 90-97. Yamaguchi was beaten by Tokyo in a road game 72-60.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 13 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists by Taren Sullivan of Tokyo HT.



Tokyo Z - Saitama 67-76

Bottom-ranked Earthfriends (0-6) is still winless. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their sixth consecutive match to fifth ranked Broncos (6-2) 76-67 on Sunday evening. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) who scored 19 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Forward Trent Buttrick (206-1998, college: UMass) chipped in 20 points and 7 rebounds. Broncos' coach Shugaku Izumi used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Power forward Jeremy Combs (201-1995, college: Texas Southern) produced 18 points and 8 rebounds and forward Jordan Bruner (208-1997, college: Alabama, agency: Diamond Sports) added 14 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Five Tokyo Z players scored in double figures. Saitama moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Earthfriends still closes the standings with six games lost. Saitama will meet Gifu (#9) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Tokyo Z will play against Kanazawa (#10) in Ishikawa and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Saitama: T.Buttrick 20+7reb+2ast, D.Oliver 19+9reb+6ast, W.Creekmore 8+4reb, M.Keijuro 7+1ast, T.Nesmith 6+6reb+1ast, R.Kawabe 5+2reb+2ast
Tokyo Z: J.Combs 18+8reb+3ast, J.Bruner 14+7reb+1ast, J.Spencer 11+5reb, S.Sho 10+1ast, M.Benlevi 10+4reb+3ast, T.Takumi 4+1reb+3ast

Niigata A. - Shinagawa 99-78

Very expected game in Niigata where bottom-ranked Shinagawa (0-8) was crushed by eighth ranked Albirex (4-4) 99-78 on Sunday. Niigata A. dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Shinagawa's 28. Niigata A. looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists comparing to just 17 passes made by Shinagawa's players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Niigata A. made 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) who scored 25 points and 9 rebounds (on 12-of-14 shooting from the field). chipped in 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Lithuanian Grantas Vasiliauskas (204-1999) produced 7 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists and American guard Jaycee Hillsman (200-1996, college: Illinois St.) added 22 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Albirex have a solid four-game winning streak. Niigata A. moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Shanan Utd. Loser Shinagawa still closes the standings with eight games lost. Niigata A. will meet at home Shanan Utd (#8) in the next round. Shinagawa will play against the league's second-placed Tokyo (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Niigata A.: E.Phelps 25+9reb+1ast, J.Mutombo 13+2reb, H.Aruma 10+5reb+5ast, P.Isaiah 10+1reb+2ast, B.Mack 9+8reb+2ast, I.Kei 9+9ast
Shinagawa: J.Hillsman 22+7reb, R.Tawatari 12+2reb+5ast, H.Seiya 10+3ast, O.Kunitatsu 9+2reb, O.Tomoya 8+3reb+2ast, G.Vasiliauskas 7+16reb+6ast

Kanazawa - Tokushima Gam. 77-76

The most surprising game was the first loss of Gambarous (7-1) in Ishikawa on Sunday night. Visitors were edged by eleventh ranked Samuraiz (3-5) 77-76. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Gambarous. Kanazawa dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Gambarous's 30. Worth to mention a great performance of Dutch forward Jediael Cordilia (206-2002, college: Mt.St.Mary's) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 9 rebounds and New Zealand forward Hyrum Harris (204-1996, college: Umpqua CC) who added 12 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Canadian center Chris McLaughlin (208-1992, college: Victoria, agency: Starting 5) responded with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 13 rebounds and American power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) scored 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Kanazawa moved-up to tenth place. Tokushima Gam. at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with Tokyo. Kanazawa are looking forward to face Tokyo Z (#14) at home in the next round. Tokushima Gam. will play against Tokyo Utd (#12) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Kanazawa: J.Cordilia 14+9reb+1ast, T.Issei 12+1reb+1ast, H.Harris 12+5reb+3ast, O.Takayuki 11+2reb+4ast, C.Diop 7+3reb, M.Gashu 7+1reb+4ast
Tokushima Gam.: C.McLaughlin 25+13reb, T.Dawson 16+7reb+4ast, A.Teruya 12+1reb+2ast, R.Adams 12+6reb+1ast, T.Yutaka 4+2reb+7ast, N.Moriyama 4+1reb

Okayama - Shanan Utd 70-82

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Try Hoop (6-2) against ninth ranked United (4-4) on Sunday night. Host Try Hoop was defeated by United in Okayama 82-70. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Try Hoop. The winners were led by American center Jacob Polakovich (208-2000, college: S.Indiana) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds and point guard Takaya Iju (179-1993) supported him with 7 points and 6 assists. Even a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds by American forward Terrance King (198-1990, college: ESU, agency: Diamond Sports) did not help to save the game for Okayama. point guard Hikaru Akiyama (174-1995) added 9 points and 4 assists for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shanan Utd moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Niigata A. Okayama at the other side dropped to the third position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Shanan Utd will play against Niigata A. (#7) on the road in the next round. Okayama will play against Tachikawa (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shanan Utd: J.Polakovich 26+12reb+3ast, T.Aiki 11, I.Tomohiro 9+1reb+1ast, T.Iju 7+3reb+6ast, H.Hee Hyeon 7+5reb, T.Shinya 6+1ast
Okayama: T.King 20+10reb+2ast, T.Keisuke 12+2ast, K.Hankerson 11+3reb+1ast, H.Akiyama 9+3reb+4ast, C.Sow 6+2reb, J.Scott 4+4reb+2ast

Kagawa FA - Veertien Mie 77-45

Very predictable result in Takamatsu where fourth ranked Five Arrows (6-2) smashed 13th ranked Veertien Mie (1-5) 77-45 on Sunday. Kagawa dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Veertien Mie's 28. Kagawa forced 19 Veertien Mie turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Veertien Mie's players. The best player for the winners was American forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) who scored 15 points and 9 rebounds. chipped in 11 points and 5 rebounds. Four Five Arrows players scored in double figures. American power forward Damonte Dodd (211-1994, college: Maryland) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists and German center Yasin Kolo (208-1992, college: Bellarmine) added 7 points respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kagawa moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Veertien Mie dropped to the twelfth position with five games lost. They share it with Tokyo Utd. Kagawa will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Veertien Mie will play against Yamaguchi (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kagawa FA: J.Lampkin 15+9reb+2ast, T.Haymond 13+4reb, I.Hajime 11+2reb+3ast, K.Patrick 11+5reb+2ast, U.Yuya 8+1reb+2ast, A.Davis 5+4reb+3ast
Veertien Mie: D.Dodd 13+14reb+5ast, S.Takaya 8+1reb+1ast, Y.Kolo 7+4reb, M.Kulackovskis 4+3reb, W.Shogo 4+1reb, A.Fuga 4+1reb+1ast

Tokyo Utd - Tachikawa 89-90

Not a big story in a game in Tokyo where 12th ranked United (1-5) was edged by sixth ranked Dice (6-2) 90-89 on Monday. Tachikawa forced 19 Tokyo Utd turnovers. The best player for the winners was American power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-1990, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) who scored 33 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds. The other American import swingman LJ Peak (196-1996, college: Georgetown) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-1996) produced 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and American center Hayden Koval (216-1997, college: Cincinnati, agency: Diamond Sports) added 10 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks respectively for the hosts. Five Tokyo Utd players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Dice have a solid four-game winning streak. Tachikawa moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser United keeps the twelfth position with five games lost. They share it with Veertien Mie. Tachikawa will meet at home Okayama (#6) in the next round. Tokyo Utd will play against the league's leader Tokushima Gam. (#1) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Tachikawa: A.Fitzgerald 33+7reb+3ast, M.Ousu 15+2reb+3ast, L.Peak 15+10reb+2ast, S.Fumiya 8+1reb, G.Rokas 6+7reb+3ast, Y.Jo 4+2reb+3ast
Tokyo Utd: R.Vague 21+6reb+4ast, K.Ren 17+1reb+3ast, K.Stockman Jr. 13+2reb+4ast, H.Hiroki 10+4reb+3ast, H.Koval 10+10reb+3ast, T.Dan 6+6reb+1ast

Tokyo Utd - Tachikawa 90-97

Everything went according to plan in Tokyo where sixth ranked Dice (6-2) beat 12th ranked United (1-5) 97-90 on Tuesday. Tachikawa looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American swingman LJ Peak (196-1996, college: Georgetown) who scored 25 points and 7 rebounds. chipped in 17 points and 7 assists. Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-1996) produced 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and the other American import swingman LJ Peak (196-1996, college: Georgetown) added 13 points respectively for the hosts. Five Tachikawa and four Tokyo Utd players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Dice have a solid four-game winning streak. Tachikawa moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser United keeps the twelfth position with five games lost. They share it with Veertien Mie. Tachikawa will meet at home Okayama (#6) in the next round. Tokyo Utd will play against the league's leader Tokushima Gam. (#1) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Tachikawa: L.Peak 25+7reb+3ast, M.Ousu 17+2reb+7ast, S.Fumiya 15+2ast, G.Rokas 14+10reb, A.Fitzgerald 13+5reb+4ast, M.Yuto 8+5reb+3ast
Tokyo Utd: R.Vague 21+6reb+6ast, H.Hiroki 13+3reb, G.Bula 13+3reb+1ast, K.Ren 12+2reb+1ast, T.Shinnosuke 8+4reb+1ast, K.Stockman Jr. 8+3reb+4ast

Tokyo HT - Yamaguchi 72-60

There was no surprise in Tokyo where 10th ranked Pats Five (2-6) was defeated by third ranked Hachioji Trains (7-1) 72-60 on Sunday. Tokyo had a 34-23 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Dutch-New Zealand Jonathan Janssen (205-1995, college: HPU) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds. American forward Taren Sullivan (198-1995, college: Findlay, OH) chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. American swingman LJ Peak (196-1996, college: Georgetown) produced 13 points and added 7 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Tokyo used an opportunity after Tokushima Gam. lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. Loser Pats Five dropped to the eleventh place with six games lost. Tokyo will meet at home bottom-ranked Shinagawa (#15) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Yamaguchi will play against Veertien Mie (#13) in Yokkaichi and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tokyo HT: J.Janssen 15+14reb, T.Keitaro 14+1reb+2ast, T.Sullivan 13+10reb+5ast, Y.Fuki 8+1reb+2ast, K.Steve 7+5reb, O.Hiroya 4+3reb+3ast
Yamaguchi: H.Bostyn 13+4reb+2ast, Y.Rikiya 9+3reb, S.Yuuki 8+1reb, I.Yuki 8+2reb+1ast, K.Shuto 7+2reb+4ast, B.Even 7+9reb+1ast