B3 League Round 16 (Regular Season): Saitama defeat Tokushima Gam.

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Gambarous (13-4) in Saitama on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by seventh ranked Broncos (9-6) 81-62. Saitama dominated down low during the game scoring 40 of its points in the paint compared to Gambarous's 16. It was a great shooting night for Saitama especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 55.6 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of American Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. The other American import forward Trent Buttrick (206-1998, college: UMass) contributed with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds for Tokushima Gam.Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Saitama maintains seventh position with 9-6 record. Tokushima Gam. at the other side still keeps top place with four games lost. Saitama are looking forward to face league's leader Tokushima Gam. at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Tokushima Gam. will have a break next round.
Important game to mention about took place in Okayama. Fifth ranked Try Hoop (11-6) saved a 3-point victory at home edging one of their biggest challengers Hachioji Trains (10-3) 71-68 in the fight for the third place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Hachioji Trains. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Kameron Hankerson (196-1998, college: Green Bay, agency: 011 Sports) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists and Terrance King who added 19 points and 11 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side Dutch-New Zealand Jonathan Janssen (205-1995, college: HPU) responded with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Okayama moved-up to third place. Tokyo at the other side dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. Okayama will play against Tokyo (#4) at home in the next round. Tokyo will have a break next round.
Bottom-ranked Veertien Mie managed to get a third victory, breaking the seven-game losing streak on Saturday night. This time they won against eleventh-ranked United in Yokkaichi 82-76. The winners were led by David Doblas who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Even 21 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks by Hayden Koval did not help to save the game for Tokyo Utd. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Veertien Mie (3-12) moved-up to fourteenth place. Loser United keeps the eleventh position with ten games lost. Veertien Mie will meet at home higher ranked Tokyo Utd (#11) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Tokyo Utd will have a break next round.

Other games in round 16 were not that significant. Niigata A. beat Tokyo Z on the road 79-72. Tokyo Z lost to Niigata A. on its own court 73-84. Yamaguchi was outscored by Tachikawa in a road game 72-113. Gifu recorded a loss to Shanan Utd at home 72-74.



Tokyo Z - Niigata A. 72-79

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Albirex (12-6) beat bottom-ranked Earthfriends (3-13) in Tokyo 79-72 on Thursday. The winners were led by American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and American forward BJ Mack (203-2000, college: S.Carolina) supported him with 17 points. Four Albirex players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 27 points and 12 rebounds by American forward Malik Benlevi (198-1997, college: Georgia St.) did not help to save the game for Tokyo Z. His fellow American import power forward Jeremy Combs (201-1995, college: Texas Southern) added 25 points and 11 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Albirex have an impressive five-game winning streak. Niigata A. maintains second position with 12-6 record behind leader Tokushima Gam. Tokyo Z lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom place with 13 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Niigata A.: P.Eugene 23+10reb+1ast, M.BJ 17+4reb+3ast, K.Igarashi 11+4reb+1ast, A.Hamada 10+6reb+7ast, M.Jean-Pierre 5+3reb, I.Powell 4+2reb+1ast
Tokyo Z: M.Benlevi 27+12reb+3ast, J.Combs 25+11reb, N.Ryutaro 6+1reb, J.Bruner 3+2reb+2ast, M.Takumi 3+4reb+3ast, T.Takumi 2

Tokyo Z - Niigata A. 73-84

Very expected game when 14th ranked Earthfriends (3-13) lost to second ranked Albirex (12-6) in Tokyo 73-84 on Friday. Niigata A. outrebounded Tokyo Z 38-25 including 26 on the defensive glass. The winners were led by American forward BJ Mack (203-2000, college: S.Carolina) who scored that evening 18 points and 6 rebounds and Aoi Higuchi supported him with 19 points and 4 assists. Albirex's coach Jun Uzawa used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 21 points and 8 rebounds by American forward Malik Benlevi (198-1997, college: Georgia St.) did not help to save the game for Tokyo Z. His fellow American import forward Jordan Bruner (208-1997, college: Alabama, agency: Diamond Sports) added 10 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Albirex have an impressive five-game winning streak. Niigata A. maintains second position with 12-6 record behind leader Tokushima Gam. Tokyo Z lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom place with 13 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Niigata A.: A.Higuchi 19+1reb+4ast, M.BJ 18+6reb+2ast, M.Jean-Pierre 15+9reb, K.Igarashi 11+2reb+3ast, A.Hamada 8+3ast, P.Eugene 8+9reb+4ast
Tokyo Z: M.Benlevi 21+8reb+2ast, J.Spencer 11+2reb+1ast, J.Bruner 10+6reb+2ast, J.Combs 10+1reb+1ast, M.Takumi 10+1reb+2ast, N.Ryutaro 8+2reb+4ast

Saitama - Tokushima Gam. 81-62

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Gambarous (13-4) in Saitama on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by seventh ranked Broncos (9-6) 81-62. Saitama dominated down low during the game scoring 40 of its points in the paint compared to Gambarous's 16. It was a great shooting night for Saitama especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 55.6 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of American Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. The other American import forward Trent Buttrick (206-1998, college: UMass) contributed with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four Broncos players scored in double figures. American power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and Canadian center Chris McLaughlin (208-1992, college: Victoria, agency: Starting 5) added 12 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Tokushima Gam.Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Saitama maintains seventh position with 9-6 record. Tokushima Gam. at the other side still keeps top place with four games lost. Saitama are looking forward to face league's leader Tokushima Gam. at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Tokushima Gam. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Saitama: Y.Matsushita 14+3reb+2ast, O.Devin 14+10reb+3ast, K.Matsui 12+2reb+1ast, B.Trent 12+8reb+4ast, N.TJ 9+2reb+1ast, K.Ryota 8+2reb+1ast
Tokushima Gam.: T.Dawson 18+10reb+1ast, C.McLaughlin 12+5reb+1ast, R.Adams 10+4reb, N.Moriyama 9+2reb, A.Teruya 5+2reb, T.Yutaka 3+1reb+4ast

Tachikawa - Yamaguchi 113-72

Very predictable result when sixth ranked Dice (10-5) rolled over 12th ranked Pats Five (5-12) in Tachikawa 113-72 on Saturday. Tachikawa dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to Pats Five's 22. Tachikawa outrebounded Yamaguchi 46-21 including a 35-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. Tachikawa looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Yamaguchi's players. The winners were led by Rokas Gustys who had that evening a double-double by scoring 19 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) and American power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-1990, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) supported him with 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Four Dice players scored in double figures. Even 18 points by American center Antavion Collum (206-2000, college: McNeese St.) did not help to save the game for Yamaguchi. point guard Takuma Enokida (184-1998, agency: Octagon Europe) added 12 points for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Dice have a solid four-game winning streak. Tachikawa maintains sixth position with 10-5 record. Loser Pats Five keeps the twelfth place with 12 games lost. Tachikawa will meet at home Yamaguchi (#12) in the next round where they are favorite. Yamaguchi will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Tachikawa: F.Andrew 20+6reb+2ast, R.Gustys 19+13reb+5ast, P.LJ 18+3reb+4ast, O.Mori 11+5reb+1ast, J.Machii 10+9reb+6ast, Y.Makanae 9+2reb+3ast
Yamaguchi: A.Collum 18+4reb, T.Enokida 12+2reb+2ast, C.Kurihara 9+2reb, I.Yuki 7+2reb+4ast, T.Shodai 5+1reb, T.Yuki 5+3reb+1ast

Gifu - Shanan Utd 72-74

Everything could happen in Gifu at the game between two tied teams. Both eighth ranked United and 9th ranked Swoops had identical 7-7 record. But Swoops were not able to use a home court advantage and were edged by the opponent from Kanagawa 74-72 on Saturday night. The winners were led by American center Jacob Polakovich (208-2000, college: S.Indiana) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 28 points and 16 rebounds and Guamanian-American guard Earnest Ross (198-1991, college: Missouri, agency: Haylett Sports) supported him with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Even a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds by American forward Blake Preston (206-2000, college: Northwestern) did not help to save the game for Gifu. His fellow American import power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-1990, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) added 15 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for lost side. Four Gifu players scored in double figures. Swoops' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Shanan Utd maintains eighth position with 8-7 record. Loser Swoops keeps the ninth place with eight games lost. Shanan Utd will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Gifu will play against Shanan Utd (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shanan Utd: P.Jacob 28+16reb+1ast, R.Earnest 14+5reb+3ast, C.Christian 12+6reb+1ast, I.Takaya 6+4reb+3ast, T.Ishii 6+3reb, S.Takagi 3+2reb+3ast
Gifu: K.Morito 15+3reb+1ast, D.Fotu 13+3reb+2ast, J.Giles 11+2reb+1ast, B.Preston 11+12reb+1ast, U.Kenshin 8+2reb, S.Andre 6+3reb+1ast

Veertien Mie - Tokyo Utd 82-76

Bottom-ranked Veertien Mie managed to get a third victory, breaking the seven-game losing streak on Saturday night. This time they won against eleventh-ranked United in Yokkaichi 82-76. The winners were led by Spanish center David Doblas (208-1981) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and American power forward Damonte Dodd (211-1994, college: Maryland) supported him with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Veertien Mie players scored in double figures. Even 21 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks by American center Hayden Koval (216-1997, college: Cincinnati, agency: Diamond Sports) did not help to save the game for Tokyo Utd. Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-1996) added 17 points for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Veertien Mie (3-12) moved-up to fourteenth place. Loser United keeps the eleventh position with ten games lost. Veertien Mie will meet at home higher ranked Tokyo Utd (#11) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Tokyo Utd will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Veertien Mie: D.David 18+10reb+2ast, T.Sawaki 15+2reb+1ast, D.Damonte 14+10reb+4ast, K.Matiss 12+4reb+1ast, Y.Miyazaki 9+3reb+2ast, F.Aramoto 6+2ast
Tokyo Utd: H.Koval 21+9reb, R.Vague 17+4reb, K.Stockman Jr. 11+3reb+3ast, K.Ren 8+7reb+4ast, T.Shinnosuke 7+1reb+3ast, T.Konosuke 5+3reb+3ast

Okayama - Tokyo HT 71-68

Important game to mention about took place in Okayama. Fifth ranked Try Hoop (11-6) saved a 3-point victory at home edging one of their biggest challengers Hachioji Trains (10-3) 71-68 in the fight for the third place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Hachioji Trains. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Kameron Hankerson (196-1998, college: Green Bay, agency: 011 Sports) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists and the other American import forward Terrance King (198-1990, college: ESU, agency: Diamond Sports) who added 19 points and 11 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side Dutch-New Zealand Jonathan Janssen (205-1995, college: HPU) responded with 20 points and 8 rebounds and American swingman Donovan Clay (203-2001, college: Missouri St.) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 13 rebounds. Four Tokyo players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Okayama moved-up to third place. Tokyo at the other side dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. Okayama will play against Tokyo (#4) at home in the next round. Tokyo will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Okayama: K.Terrance 19+11reb+1ast, H.Kameron 17+7reb+8ast, M.Fofana 14+6reb+1ast, S.Cherif 5+3reb+3ast, Y.Mukai 5+1reb+1ast, S.Josh 4+13reb+1ast
Tokyo HT: J.Janssen 20+8reb, D.Clay 11+13reb+2ast, O.Hiroya 10+4reb, Y.Fuki 10+2reb, T.Keitaro 6+2reb, K.Takaya 4+3reb+1ast