B1 League Round 8 (Regular Season): Hokkaido L. beats Sendai 89ers by two after a very close game

There were just 8 rounds played in Regular Season of B1 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 exciting game of round 8 in the B1 League took place in Sapporo. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of one of their biggest challengers 89ers (5-4) to third ranked Sapporo (6-3) 87-85 in the game for the third place. Hokkaido L. made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. Hokkaido L. outrebounded Sendai 89ers 37-20 including a 16-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. American forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points and 9 rebounds. Nigerian-American center Jahlil Okafor (211-1995, college: Duke) contributed with 15 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) replied with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for Sendai 89ers. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Sapporo have a solid three-game winning streak. Hokkaido L. maintains third position with 6-3 record having just three points less than leader Nagasaki, which they share with Hiroshima D. and Shimane SM. Sendai 89ers at the other side keep the fourth place with four games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Hokkaido L. is looking forward to face Sendai 89ers (#5) at home in the next round. Sendai 89ers will have a break next round.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Tochigi Brex (7-2) against fourth ranked Lakestars (5-4) on Saturday night. Host Tochigi Brex was defeated by Lakestars in a tough game in Tochigi 77-84. Worth to mention a great performance of Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points and 12 rebounds and Ai-Che Yu who added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists during the contest. American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) responded with 26 points and 5 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shiga L-Stars maintains fourth position with 5-4 record, which they share with 4 other teams. Defending champion Tochigi Brex keeps the second place with two games lost. Shiga L-Stars will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tochigi Brex will play at home against Shiga L-Stars and hopes to get back on the winning track.
B1 League top team - Velca (8-1) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they crushed eleventh ranked Grouses (3-6) in Toyama 91-71. The winners were led by Stanley Johnson who scored that evening 21 points and 6 rebounds. Even 15 points and 5 rebounds by Trey Kell III did not help to save the game for Toyama G.. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Velca have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Nagasaki maintains first position with 8-1 record, which they share with Nagoya DD. Toyama G. lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the tenth place with six games lost. They share the position with FE Nagoya and Koshigaya A.. Nagasaki will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Toyama G. will play against the league's leader Nagasaki (#1) and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 8: Shimane SM beat Akita NH on the road 101-93. Saga B. lost to Koshigaya A. on its own court 78-94. Ibaraki R. unfortunately lost to Yokohama BC in a road game 75-80. Nagoya DD managed to beat Chiba at home 87-75. Alvark Tokyo defeated Kyoto H. on the opponent's court 78-72. San-en NP smashed Kawasaki in a home game 82-63. FE Nagoya lost to Sea Horses M. on the road 75-80. Osaka E. unfortunately lost to Hiroshima D. on its own court 97-102. Gunma CT managed to beat Ryukyu in a road game 89-83. Chiba Jets crushed Sunrockers Sh. at home 84-63.
The most impressive performance of 8th round was 27 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists by DJ Hogg of Chiba Jets.



Akita NH - Shimane SM 93-101

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Magic (6-3) beat 11th ranked Happinets (1-8) in Akita 101-93 on Saturday. Shimane SM looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. The winners were led by Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) who scored that evening 23 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and American forward James McAdoo (206-1993, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) supported him with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Even 25 points by Australian power forward Keanu Pinder (210-1995, college: Arizona) did not help to save the game for Akita NH. New Zealand-German center Yannick Wetzell (206-1996, college: SDSU) added 16 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Five Shimane SM and four Akita NH players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Magic have a solid four-game winning streak. Shimane SM moved-up to third place, which they share with Hokkaido L. and Hiroshima D. Akita NH lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with eight games lost. They share it with Kawasaki and Ibaraki R.. Shimane SM will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Akita NH will play against Shimane SM (#4) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Shimane SM: N.Kay 23+8reb+5ast, J.McAdoo 18+13reb+3ast, O.Yuta 12+1reb+8ast, C.Clarke 11+4reb+5ast, N.Taichi 11+1reb+1ast, N.Yuto 11+2reb+4ast
Akita NH: K.Pinder 25+4reb+3ast, N.Taguchi 16+1ast, Y.Wetzell 16+8reb+3ast, T.Leissner 15+2reb+1ast, A.Raita 8+2reb+1ast, A.Mezher 8+1reb+3ast

Saga B. - Koshigaya A. 78-94

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 10th ranked Ballooners' (4-5) home loss to ninth ranked Alphas (3-6) in Saga 78-94 on Saturday. Koshigaya A. shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 51.7 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The winners were led by American Jarell Martin (208-1994, college: LSU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds and Kazakhstan-American point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) supported him with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 19 points and 9 rebounds by American power forward Tanner Groves (208-1999, college: Oklahoma) did not help to save the game for Saga B.. His fellow American import David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) added 14 points and 6 rebounds for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Despite that victory Koshigaya A. went down to tenth position due to points difference, which they share with FE Nagoya and Toyama G. Saga B. lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Koshigaya A. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Saga B. will play against Koshigaya A. (#10) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: J.Martin 21+11reb+3ast, S.Doumbouya 14+5reb+2ast, A.Clemmons 14+5reb+5ast, M.Shun 13+1reb+5ast, K.Shuhei 9, O.Takeru 6+1reb+1ast
Saga B.: T.Groves 19+9reb+3ast, A.Ryo 17+3reb+1ast, D.Dudzinski 14+6reb+3ast, S.Taiki 11+3reb+5ast, J.Harrellson 6+2reb+1ast, U.Sori 5+2reb+8ast

Yokohama BC - Ibaraki R. 80-75

Rather predictable result when tenth ranked B-Corsairs (4-5) won against 12th ranked Robots (1-8) in Yokohama 80-75 on Saturday. Yokohama BC looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by French power forward Damien Inglis (206-1995, agency: Octagon Europe) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 17 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists and the former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) supported him with 21 points and 4 assists. Even a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds by American Eric Jacobsen (208-1994, college: Arizona St.) did not help to save the game for Ibaraki R.. His fellow American import forward Robert Franks (205-1996, college: WSU) added 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Yokohama BC moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 6 other teams. Ibaraki R. lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh position with eight games lost. They share it with Kawasaki and Akita NH. Yokohama BC will meet at home Ibaraki R. (#12) in the next round where they are favorite. Ibaraki R. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: S.Ando 21+3reb+4ast, D.Inglis 17+11reb+7ast, G.Clark 10+4reb+2ast, K.Ravena 9+1reb+2ast, S.Koya 8+3reb+3ast, K.Tarczewski 8+4reb
Ibaraki R.: R.Franks 17+6reb+5ast, E.Jacobsen 14+13reb+2ast, T.Cook 13+12reb+1ast, N.Kohei 9+2ast, H.Komasawa 6+1reb+3ast, K.Genki 5+1reb+1ast

Nagoya DD - Chiba 87-75

Not a big story in a game when 6th ranked Chiba (4-5) lost to second ranked Dolphins (8-1) in Nagoya 75-87 on Saturday. Nagoya DD forced 21 Chiba turnovers. Strangely Chiba outrebounded Nagoya DD 43-28 including a 30-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Nagoya DD looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The winners were led by American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) who scored that evening 25 points and supported him with 15 points and 9 assists. Four Dolphins players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists by American center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) did not help to save the game for Chiba. His fellow American import forward Trey Porter (210-1996, college: Nevada, agency: JCK Sports Group) added 13 points and 9 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Dolphins have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Nagoya DD keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Nagasaki. Newly promoted Chiba keeps the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Nagoya DD will again meet at home Chiba (#6) in the next round where they are favorite. Chiba will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: A.Henry 25+4reb+3ast, S.Takumi 15+1reb+9ast, S.Eatherton 13+9reb+3ast, K.Imamura 11+2reb+1ast, A.Williams 8+7reb+3ast, I.Murphy 6+1reb+1ast
Chiba: D.Pardon 17+11reb+4ast, L.Evans 15+4reb, T.Porter 13+9reb+2ast, R.Maeda 8+3reb+4ast, K.Kotetsu 8+2reb+2ast, B.Ashley 5+8reb+2ast

Hokkaido L. - Sendai 89ers 87-85

The most exciting game of round 8 in the B1 League took place in Sapporo. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of one of their biggest challengers 89ers (5-4) to third ranked Sapporo (6-3) 87-85 in the game for the third place. Hokkaido L. made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. Hokkaido L. outrebounded Sendai 89ers 37-20 including a 16-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. American forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points and 9 rebounds. Nigerian-American center Jahlil Okafor (211-1995, college: Duke) contributed with 15 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) replied with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and Lebanese guard Sergio El Darwich (194-1996, college: Maine) added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists in the effort for Sendai 89ers. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Sapporo have a solid three-game winning streak. Hokkaido L. maintains third position with 6-3 record having just three points less than leader Nagasaki, which they share with Hiroshima D. and Shimane SM. Sendai 89ers at the other side keep the fourth place with four games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Hokkaido L. is looking forward to face Sendai 89ers (#5) at home in the next round. Sendai 89ers will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: J.Harrar 18+2reb, K.Jones 17+9reb+2ast, J.Okafor 15+6reb+1ast, K.Hiroto 8, S.Gohei 8+1reb+3ast, R.Dwight 7+10reb+3ast
Sendai 89ers: J.Culver 24+5reb+5ast, B.Toure 16+2reb, S.El Darwich 10+5reb+9ast, N.Boothe 8+1reb+3ast, W.Shota 8+1ast, F.Seiya 7+3reb+5ast

Kyoto H. - Alvark Tokyo 72-78

Everything went according to plan when fifth ranked Alvark (5-4) defeated 13th ranked Hannaryz (2-7) in Kyoto 78-72 on Saturday. The winners were led by Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 21 points and 15 rebounds and American Marcus Foster (191-1995, college: Creighton) supported him with 20 points. Even a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds by Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Kyoto H.. added 12 points for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Alvark have an impressive five-game winning streak. Alvark Tokyo moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Hannaryz keeps the thirteenth position with seven games lost. Alvark Tokyo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kyoto H. will play against Alvark Tokyo (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: S.Saiz 21+15reb+1ast, M.Foster 20+4reb+2ast, T.Osakabe 10+3reb+1ast, K.Toews 9+1reb+6ast, A.Shuto 7+3reb+1ast, O.Sota 5+1reb+2ast
Kyoto H.: A.Caloiaro 21+13reb+1ast, T.Furukawa 12+1reb+2ast, O.Asato 12+2reb+2ast, J.Heath 9+6reb, M.Satoru 6+1reb+2ast, H.Mone 4+1reb+1ast

San-en NP - Kawasaki BT 82-63

There was no surprise when 13th ranked Brave Thunders (1-8) were outleveled by seventh ranked NeoPhoenix (5-4) in Hamamatsu 82-63 on Saturday. San-en NP looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The winners were led by American-Nigerian swingman David Nwaba (195-1993, college: Cal Poly) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds and American center Steve Zack (211-1992, college: La Salle) supported him with 8 points and 12 rebounds. Nwaba is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Even 15 points and 8 rebounds by Serbian center Dusan Ristic (213-1995, college: Arizona) did not help to save the game for Kawasaki. American-Lebanese guard Omar Jamaleddine (193-2000, college: SLC) added 10 points and 7 assists for the guests. Four Kawasaki players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. San-en NP moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Kawasaki lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh position with eight games lost. They share it with Akita NH and Ibaraki R.. San-en NP will meet at home Kawasaki (#13) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Kawasaki will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: D.Nwaba 21+12reb+1ast, Y.Hirotaka 11+3reb+2ast, K.Junior 11+1reb+2ast, T.Nephawe 10+3reb+2ast, T.Kazuma 8+1reb+3ast, S.Zack 8+12reb+3ast
Kawasaki BT: D.Ristic 15+8reb+3ast, E.Terry 12+8reb, O.Jamaleddine 10+4reb+7ast, R.Allen 10+4reb+1ast, O.Taiga 4+1ast, I.Ryo 3

Sea Horses M. - FE Nagoya 80-75

Everything could happen in Kariya at the game between two tied teams. Both ninth ranked SeaHorses and 12th ranked Fighting Eagles had identical 3-5 record. This time SeaHorses used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Nagoya 80-75 on Saturday night. The winners were led by American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) who scored that evening 35 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field) and the other American import forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) supported him with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 21 points and 5 rebounds by American Jamorko Pickett (206-1997, college: Georgetown) did not help to save the game for FE Nagoya. The former international guard Narito Namizato (172-1989) added 15 points for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Sea Horses M. (4-5) moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 6 other teams. FE Nagoya lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with six games lost. They share it with Koshigaya A. and Toyama G.. Sea Horses M. will meet at home FE Nagoya (#11) in the next round where they are favorite. FE Nagoya will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: D.Gardner 35+8reb+3ast, J.Layman 12+5reb+4ast, N.Yudai 11+1reb+3ast, A.White 6+1reb+1ast, N.Satoshi 5+2ast, R.Sumino 3+3reb
FE Nagoya: J.Pickett 21+5reb+2ast, N.Namizato 15+1reb+3ast, J.Jones 12+3reb+2ast, H.Katsuki 7+2reb+1ast, S.Tyrell 7+2reb+2ast, L.Francis 6+7reb+1ast

Toyama G. - Nagasaki 71-91

B1 League top team - Velca (8-1) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they crushed eleventh ranked Grouses (3-6) in Toyama 91-71. Nagasaki forced 22 Toyama G. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The winners were led by American Stanley Johnson (201-1996, college: Arizona) who scored that evening 21 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston) supported him with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals. Even 15 points and 5 rebounds by Syrian-American guard Trey Kell III (193-1996, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) did not help to save the game for Toyama G.. Australian forward Brock Motum (208-1990, college: WSU, agency: Slash Sports) added 12 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Four Nagasaki and five Toyama G. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Velca have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Nagasaki maintains first position with 8-1 record, which they share with Nagoya DD. Toyama G. lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the tenth place with six games lost. They share the position with FE Nagoya and Koshigaya A.. Nagasaki will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Toyama G. will play against the league's leader Nagasaki (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: S.Johnson 21+6reb+3ast, Y.Baba 17+3reb+2ast, J.Brantley 14+5reb+8ast, K.Kumagai 13+2reb+1ast, A.Mitchell 10+7reb+4ast, H.Lee 8+6reb+3ast
Toyama G.: T.Kell III 15+5reb+3ast, B.Motum 12+7reb+3ast, N.Williams 12+6reb, O.Yuzo 10+3reb+3ast, Y.Morin 10+6reb, N.Uto 8+1reb+4ast

Tochigi Brex - Shiga L-Stars 77-84

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Tochigi Brex (7-2) against fourth ranked Lakestars (5-4) on Saturday night. Host Tochigi Brex was defeated by Lakestars in a tough game in Tochigi 77-84. Shiga L-Stars players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points and 12 rebounds and who added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists during the contest. American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) responded with 26 points and 5 assists and Nigerian-American center Jahlil Okafor (211-1995, college: Duke) scored 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. 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. Shiga L-Stars maintains fourth position with 5-4 record, which they share with 4 other teams. Defending champion Tochigi Brex keeps the second place with two games lost. Shiga L-Stars will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tochigi Brex will play at home against Shiga L-Stars and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Shiga L-Stars: Z.Auguste 28+12reb+2ast, R.Kriener 14+2reb+2ast, Y.Ai-Che 12+5reb+9ast, D.Nomoto 10+2reb+5ast, T.Wimbush 8+2reb, N.Yosei 5+2reb
Tochigi Brex: D.Newbill 26+3reb+5ast, F.Isaac 17+9reb+4ast, M.Hiejima 12+1reb+5ast, G.Edwards 10+12reb+5ast, T.Shinji 6+1ast, E.Yusuke 3

Osaka E. - Hiroshima D. 97-102

Very expected game when 8th ranked Evessa (4-5) lost to third ranked Dragonflies (6-3) in Osaka 97-102 on Saturday. Hiroshima D. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by Jamaican center Kofi Cockburn (213-1999, college: Illinois) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds and American forward Nick Mayo (206-1997, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 14 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 27 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists by American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) did not help to save the game for Osaka E.. Ukrainian center Volodymyr Gerun (208-1994, college: Portland) added 17 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Evessa's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Dragonflies have a solid four-game winning streak. Hiroshima D. maintains third position with 6-3 record having just three points less than leader Nagasaki, which they share with Hokkaido L. and Shimane SM. Loser Evessa dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Hiroshima D. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Osaka E. will play against Hiroshima D. (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: C.Smith 24+1reb+5ast, K.Cockburn 20+12reb+3ast, M.Keijiro 15+3reb+1ast, N.Mayo 14+12reb+5ast, D.Evans 9+7reb+5ast, S.Ryosei 9
Osaka E.: M.Bonds 27+6reb+4ast, R.Luther 19+7reb, V.Gerun 17+8reb+2ast, S.Seiga 10+2reb+4ast, R.Parks 9+2reb+3ast, K.Makoto 6+1reb+4ast

Ryukyu GK - Gunma CT 83-89

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when seventh ranked Thunders (4-5) won against 6th ranked Golden Kings (5-4) in Okinawa 89-83 on Saturday. Gunma CT made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The winners were led by American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) who scored that evening 16 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists and international point guard Takuto Nakamura (184-2001, agency: Schafer Sports) supported him with 17 points and 7 assists. Four Thunders players scored in double figures. Even 32 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists by American forward Keve Aluma (206-1998, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Ryukyu. His fellow American import power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) added 8 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the hosts. Golden Kings' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Gunma CT moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Golden Kings dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Gunma CT will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ryukyu will play against Gunma CT (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gunma CT: J.Thiemann 19+3reb+2ast, T.Nakamura 17+4reb+7ast, T.McKinney-Jones 16+2reb+2ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 16+8reb+9ast, F.Yuma 9+1reb+2ast, T.Naoto 6+1reb+4ast
Ryukyu GK: K.Aluma 32+8reb+7ast, K.Ryuichi 15+2reb+2ast, S.Onodera 9+1reb+5ast, J.Cooley 8+8reb+5ast, A.Kirk 7+10reb+1ast, S.Ryo 4

Chiba Jets - Sunrockers Sh. 84-63

Not a big story in a game when 8th ranked SunRockers (4-5) were outscored by top-ranked Jets (9-0) in Chiba 84-63 on Saturday. The winners were led by American forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) who scored that evening 27 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import forward Nassir Little (199-2000, college: UNC, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Even a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds by American center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Sunrockers Sh.. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) added 8 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists 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. Jets have an impressive nine-game winning streak. Chiba Jets maintains first position with 9-0 record. Sunrockers Sh. lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Chiba Jets will meet at home Sunrockers Sh. (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sunrockers Sh. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: D.Hogg 27+7reb+5ast, N.Little 17+8reb+4ast, Y.Watanabe 14+4reb+1ast, Y.Togashi 8+5ast, J.Mooney 4+8reb+1ast, M.Ou 4+3reb
Sunrockers Sh.: T.Welsh 11+13reb, D.Louzada 11+4reb+3ast, V.Leo 11+1reb+5ast, T.Daiki 9+1ast, J.Hawkinson 8+7reb+4ast, D.Grantham 7+6reb