B1 League Round 19 (Regular Season): Tochigi Brex keep a leadership position

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Tochigi Brex as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Tochigi Brex defeated 12th ranked Happinets at home 84-78. Tochigi Brex outrebounded Akita NH 42-25 including 29 on the defensive glass. Tochigi Brex looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a great evening for who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) helped adding 15 points and 8 assists. At the losing side New Zealand-German center Yannick Wetzell (206-1996, college: SDSU) responded with 27 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tochigi Brex have a solid series of three victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Chiba Jets and Hokkaido L. Akita NH lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh place with 16 games lost. They share the position with Kawasaki and Ibaraki R.. Akita NH will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Tochigi Brex will try to continue on its current victory against twelfth ranked Akita NH at home.
The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of Jets (15-4) in Chiba. Hosts were edged by Dolphins (17-2) 75-73. It was an exceptional evening for American power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) who led the winners and scored 19 points and 7 rebounds. Aaron Henry accounted for 15 points and 5 rebounds. American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) came up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds for Chiba Jets in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Dolphins have a solid series of four victories in a row. Nagoya DD keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Nagasaki. Chiba Jets lost third consecutive game. They still keep top place with four games lost. They share the position with Hokkaido L. and Tochigi Brex. Nagoya DD will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Chiba Jets will play at home against the league's second-placed Nagoya DD and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Eighth-ranked SunRockers (8-11) gave a tough game to second ranked Sapporo (15-4) in Tokyo on Saturday. The visitors from Sapporo managed to secure only three-point victory 80-77. However their fans expected much easier game. Keisei Tominaga fired 20 points for the winners. Sapporo's coach Ryutaro Onodera used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Josh Hawkinson produced 23 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Sapporo have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. Hokkaido L. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Chiba Jets and Tochigi Brex. Sunrockers Sh. at the other side dropped to the seventh place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Koshigaya A. and Saga B.. Hokkaido L. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Sunrockers Sh. will play against the league's second-placed Hokkaido L. (#2) and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 19: Shiga L-Stars lost to Sea Horses M. on the opponent's court 82-98. Hiroshima D. unfortunately lost to Ryukyu in a home game 72-81. Chiba recorded a loss to Osaka E. on the road 76-80. Saga B. crushed Alvark Tokyo on its own court 91-64. FE Nagoya was beaten by Sendai 89ers in a road game 74-67. Ibaraki R. lost to Yokohama BC at home 66-68. Kawasaki unfortunately lost to Kyoto H. on the opponent's court 65-78. San-en NP recorded a loss to Shimane SM in a home game 92-93. Shiga L-Stars were crushed by Sea Horses M. on the road 105-80. Toyama G. was beaten by Gunma CT on its own court 74-89. Koshigaya A. was destroyed by Nagasaki in a road game 91-58.



Sea Horses M. - Shiga L-Stars 98-82

Very expected game in Kariya where 7th ranked Lakestars (9-11) were defeated by third ranked SeaHorses (14-6) 98-82 on Friday. Sea Horses M. shot 66.1 percent from the field. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 56.0 percentage. Sea Horses M. looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) fired 21 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. His fellow American import forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds. American-German power forward Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa, agency: Pensack Sports) produced 19 points and 5 rebounds and American forward Thomas Wimbush (201-1993, college: Fairmont St., agency: Slash Sports) added 17 points and 6 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. SeaHorses have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Sea Horses M. maintains third place with 14-6 record behind leader Nagasaki. Shiga L-Stars at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 11 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Shiga L-Stars: R.Kriener 19+5reb+3ast, T.Wimbush 17+6reb+1ast, Z.Auguste 16+3reb+2ast, Y.Ai-Che 10+2reb+6ast, T.Kohei 9+1reb+1ast, O.Taiki 3+1ast
Sea Horses M.: G.Davante 21+6reb+2ast, L.Jake 18+6reb+1ast, S.Ryogo 16+2reb+3ast, W.Aaron 10+4reb+8ast, Y.Suda 10+2reb, Y.Nishida 9+1reb+3ast

Chiba Jets - Nagoya DD 73-75

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of Jets (15-4) in Chiba. Hosts were edged by Dolphins (17-2) 75-73. Nagoya DD players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) who led the winners and scored 19 points and 7 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) accounted for 15 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Four Dolphins players scored in double figures. American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) came up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds and the former international forward Yuta Watanabe (206-1994, college: GWU) added 14 points respectively for Chiba Jets in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Dolphins have a solid series of four victories in a row. Nagoya DD keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Nagasaki. Chiba Jets lost third consecutive game. They still keep top place with four games lost. They share the position with Hokkaido L. and Tochigi Brex. Nagoya DD will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Chiba Jets will play at home against the league's second-placed Nagoya DD and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: J.Mooney 15+12reb+3ast, Y.Watanabe 14+3reb+1ast, D.Hogg 10+5reb+2ast, K.Ren 8+2reb+1ast, N.Little 8+3reb, H.Shuta 6+1reb+2ast
Nagoya DD: E.Scott 19+7reb+1ast, H.Aaron 15+5reb+2ast, I.Keita 12+3reb+5ast, W.Alan 10+9reb+2ast, R.Kyle 9+8reb, K.Taketo 3+1reb+2ast

Hiroshima D. - Ryukyu GK 72-81

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourth ranked Golden Kings' (13-6) road victory over 5th ranked Dragonflies (11-8) 81-72 on Saturday. Ryukyu dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Dragonflies's 28. Ryukyu looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) fired a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Ryo Sadohara chipped in 15 points (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!). Five Golden Kings players scored in double figures. American forward Nick Mayo (206-1997, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) produced 19 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) added 19 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Golden Kings have a solid series of four victories in a row. Ryukyu maintains fourth place with 13-6 record, which they share with Gunma CT. Hiroshima D. at the other side keeps the fifth position with eight games lost. They share it with Shimane SM. Ryukyu will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hiroshima D. will play against Ryukyu (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: N.Mayo 19+5reb+3ast, D.Evans 19+3reb+3ast, C.Smith 9+4reb+4ast, S.Ryosei 6+3reb, M.Keijiro 6+4reb+1ast, K.Cockburn 5+12reb+3ast
Ryukyu GK: L.Victor 16+10reb+4ast, R.Sadohara 15+2reb+3ast, K.Alex 12+3reb+1ast, Y.Matsuwaki 12+3reb+1ast, D.Damyean 10+1reb+3ast, C.Jack 10+6reb+3ast

Osaka E. - Chiba 80-76

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 9th ranked Chiba's (6-13) road loss to eighth ranked Evessa (9-10) 76-80 on Saturday. Osaka E. made 19-of-20 free shots (95.0 percent) during the game. Americans were the main players on the court. Ryan Luther (206-1995, college: Arizona) fired 23 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) chipped in 25 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) produced 17 points, 7 assists and 5 steals and center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) added 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Evessa have a solid series of three victories in a row. Osaka E. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Sendai 89ers. Chiba lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the tenth position with 13 games lost. They share it with FE Nagoya and Kyoto H.. Osaka E. will again meet at home Chiba (#10) in the next round. Chiba will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Chiba: K.Kotetsu 17+4reb+7ast, T.Porter 15+6reb, D.Pardon 11+6reb+4ast, S.Kei 7+1reb+1ast, W.Leon 7+1reb, L.Evans 6+8reb+1ast
Osaka E.: B.Matt 25+7reb+1ast, L.Ryan 23+8reb+3ast, T.Joji 7+6reb+1ast, P.Ray 6+4reb, S.Sakamoto 5+2reb+2ast, T.Suzuki 5+6reb+1ast

Saga B. - Alvark Tokyo 91-64

There was a surprise result in Saga where ninth ranked Ballooners (8-11) outscored higher ranked Alvark (10-9) 91-64 on Saturday. Saga B. dominated down low during the game scoring 42 of its points in the paint compared to Alvark's 20. Saga B. forced 22 Alvark Tokyo turnovers. They shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 56.5 percentage. Saga B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Taiki Sumida fired a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Ryo Abe chipped in 17 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Five Ballooners players scored in double figures. The former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) produced 8 points and 15 rebounds and forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) added 10 points respectively 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. Saga B. moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Sunrockers Sh. and Koshigaya A. Alvark Tokyo lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with nine games lost. Saga B. will meet at home higher ranked Alvark Tokyo (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Alvark Tokyo will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: B.Zack 10+1reb+1ast, A.Shuto 9+1reb+1ast, H.Nakamura 8, O.Sota 8+2ast, R.Rossiter 8+15reb+1ast, F.Kaminsky 8+4reb
Saga B.: R.Abe 17+2reb+5ast, T.Sumida 13+10reb+3ast, H.Josh 11+3reb, G.Tanner 10+6reb+3ast, F.Chase 10+7reb+6ast, R.Inoue 8

Sendai 89ers - FE Nagoya 74-67

There was no surprise in Sendai where 11th ranked Fighting Eagles (6-13) were defeated by sixth ranked 89ers (9-10) 74-67 on Saturday. Sendai 89ers outrebounded FE Nagoya 44-32 including 34 on the defensive glass. American guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) fired a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Lebanese guard Sergio El Darwich (194-1996, college: Maine) chipped in 11 points and 6 rebounds. 89ers' coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. produced 12 points and 6 assists and American Jamorko Pickett (206-1997, college: Georgetown) added 10 points and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Sendai 89ers maintains sixth place with 9-10 record, which they share with Osaka E. FE Nagoya lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Kyoto H. and Chiba. Sendai 89ers will meet at home FE Nagoya (#11) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. FE Nagoya will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: S.Takaya 12+3reb+6ast, L.Francis 11+3reb, J.Pickett 10+4reb+5ast, S.O'Mara 8+8reb+2ast, Y.Ryuto 7+1reb, S.Tensho 7+2reb
Sendai 89ers: C.Jarrett 26+10reb+3ast, E.Sergio 11+6reb+2ast, S.Watanabe 10+3reb+5ast, T.Boubacar 9+5reb, Y.Araya 7+6reb+3ast, S.Funyu 6+6reb+1ast

Ibaraki R. - Yokohama BC 66-68

No shocking result in a game in Mito where tenth ranked B-Corsairs (7-12) edged 13th ranked Robots (3-16) 68-66 on Saturday. American Gary Clark (198-1994, college: Cincinnati) fired 21 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) chipped in 15 points. American Eric Jacobsen (208-1994, college: Arizona St.) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds and the other American import forward Robert Franks (205-1996, college: WSU) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Yokohama BC moved-up to ninth place, which they share with San-en NP. Ibaraki R. at the other side dropped to the eleventh position with 16 games lost. They share it with Kawasaki and Akita NH. Yokohama BC will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ibaraki R. will play against Yokohama BC (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: H.Noboru 16+1reb+2ast, E.Jacobsen 14+11reb+3ast, R.Franks 12+5reb+3ast, K.Genki 7+1reb+1ast, N.Kohei 7+3reb+7ast, J.Ruu 7+2reb+2ast
Yokohama BC: C.Gary 21+8reb, A.Seiya 15+1reb+2ast, R.Kiefer 11+2reb+1ast, I.Damien 6+7reb+1ast, T.Kaleb 6+7reb+1ast, K.Kai 5+2reb+1ast

Kyoto H. - Kawasaki BT 78-65

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Kyoto where 11th ranked Brave Thunders (3-16) were defeated by twelfth ranked Hannaryz (6-13) 78-65 on Saturday. American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) fired 16 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. His fellow American import power forward Jordan Heath (208-1991, college: Canisius, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 12 points and 9 rebounds. American center Emanuel Terry (206-1996, college: LMU) produced 20 points and 8 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) added 11 points and 10 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws) respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Kyoto H. moved-up to tenth place, which they share with FE Nagoya and Chiba. Kawasaki at the other side keeps the eleventh position with 16 games lost. They share it with Akita NH and Ibaraki R.. Kyoto H. will meet at home Kawasaki (#11) in the next round. Kawasaki will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: E.Terry 20+8reb+2ast, D.Ristic 14+5reb+1ast, R.Allen 11+10reb+1ast, I.Ryo 6+3reb+2ast, O.Taiga 4+1reb+1ast, T.Shota 4+1reb+2ast
Kyoto H.: F.Takatoshi 18+1ast, T.Chehales 16+8reb+8ast, H.Jordan 12+9reb+2ast, M.Hall 9+4reb+1ast, S.Reon 9+2ast, S.Maeda 7

San-en NP - Shimane SM 92-93

Rather predictable result in Hamamatsu where sixth ranked Magic (11-8) edged 10th ranked NeoPhoenix (7-12) 93-92 on Saturday. Shimane SM looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American forward James McAdoo (206-1993, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) fired 23 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) chipped in 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. American-Nigerian swingman David Nwaba (195-1993, college: Cal Poly) produced 16 points and 7 rebounds and American forward Darius Days (201-1999, college: LSU, agency: Slash Sports) added 17 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. NeoPhoenix's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Shimane SM moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Hiroshima D. San-en NP lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Yokohama BC. Shimane SM will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. San-en NP will play against Shimane SM (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: D.Days 17+7reb, D.Nwaba 16+7reb+2ast, T.Kazuma 14+2reb, C.Jackson 11+5reb+3ast, R.Sasaki 7+3reb+7ast, T.Nephawe 6+8reb
Shimane SM: C.Coty 26+3reb+2ast, M.James 23+9reb+1ast, K.Nick 19+8reb+6ast, Y.Okada 12+3reb+5ast, F.Iio 8+2reb+2ast, A.Sukegawa 4+1ast

Sea Horses M. - Shiga L-Stars 105-80

Not a big story in a game in Kariya where 7th ranked Lakestars (9-11) were rolled over by third ranked SeaHorses (14-6) 105-80 on Saturday. Sea Horses M. made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American forward Thomas Kennedy (201-1987, college: Detroit) fired 27 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Yudai Nishida chipped in 19 points. Five SeaHorses players scored in double figures. Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) produced 25 points and 9 rebounds and American-German power forward Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa, agency: Pensack Sports) added 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists respectively 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. SeaHorses have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Sea Horses M. maintains third place with 14-6 record behind leader Nagasaki. Shiga L-Stars at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 11 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Shiga L-Stars: Z.Auguste 25+9reb+3ast, R.Kriener 19+8reb+6ast, T.Wimbush 12+1reb+3ast, O.Taiki 9+2reb+2ast, D.Nomoto 8+3reb+1ast, S.Ehara 5+3reb+1ast
Sea Horses M.: K.Thomas 27+6reb+1ast, Y.Nishida 19+3reb+3ast, G.Davante 13+6reb+5ast, W.Aaron 11+4reb+4ast, S.Nagano 11+2reb+4ast, S.Ryogo 7+2reb+2ast

Toyama G. - Gunma CT 74-89

Everything went according to plan in Toyama where fourth ranked Thunders (13-6) beat 13th ranked Grouses (5-14) 89-74 on Saturday. Gunma CT forced 20 Toyama G. turnovers. Strangely Toyama G. outrebounded Gunma CT 41-26 including 29 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Yuma Fujii fired 14 points for the winners. American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) chipped in 9 points and 6 assists. Four Thunders players scored in double figures. The former international forward Naoki Uto (191-1991) produced 22 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and Australian forward Brock Motum (208-1990, college: WSU, agency: Slash Sports) added 14 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Thunders have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. Gunma CT maintains fourth place with 13-6 record, which they share with Ryukyu. Toyama G. lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the thirteenth position with 14 games lost. Gunma CT will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Toyama G. will play against Gunma CT (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: N.Uto 22+3reb+2ast, B.Motum 14+8reb+1ast, O.Yuzo 13+5reb+1ast, Y.Morin 8+12reb+3ast, N.Williams 6+9reb, M.Kazuki 5+2reb
Gunma CT: Y.Fujii 14+4reb+1ast, B.Kerry 12+3reb+3ast, W.Terrance 12+4reb+3ast, N.Tsuji 11+2reb+1ast, F.Koh 10+3reb+2ast, N.Takuto 10+2reb+2ast

Tochigi Brex - Akita NH 84-78

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Tochigi Brex as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Tochigi Brex defeated 12th ranked Happinets at home 84-78. Tochigi Brex outrebounded Akita NH 42-25 including 29 on the defensive glass. Tochigi Brex looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a great evening for Isaac Fotu who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) helped adding 15 points and 8 assists. At the losing side New Zealand-German center Yannick Wetzell (206-1996, college: SDSU) responded with 27 points and 5 rebounds and Australian power forward Keanu Pinder (210-1995, college: Arizona) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Akita NH players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tochigi Brex have a solid series of three victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Chiba Jets and Hokkaido L. Akita NH lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh place with 16 games lost. They share the position with Kawasaki and Ibaraki R.. Akita NH will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Tochigi Brex will try to continue on its current victory against twelfth ranked Akita NH at home.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: Y.Wetzell 27+5reb+1ast, K.Pinder 13+10reb+5ast, A.Raita 12+1reb+1ast, J.McLean 10+2reb+1ast, K.Tsubasa 9+2reb+3ast, M.Taiyo 3
Tochigi Brex: I.Fotu 19+11reb, N.DJ 15+3reb+8ast, S.Takashima 12+2reb, H.Makoto 9+2reb+3ast, E.Gavin 7+4reb, K.Hoshikawa 6+1ast

Nagasaki - Koshigaya A. 91-58

There was no surprise in Nagasaki where 7th ranked Alphas (8-11) were outplayed by first ranked Velca (17-2) 91-58 on Saturday. Nagasaki looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Koshigaya A.'s players. American Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston) fired 19 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. His fellow American import Stanley Johnson (201-1996, college: Arizona) chipped in 21 points and 4 assists. Four Velca players scored in double figures. Kazakhstan-American point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) produced 8 points and 11 rebounds and Guinean-French Sekou Doumbouya (206-2000) added 11 points and 8 rebounds respectively 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. Velca have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Nagasaki maintains first place with 17-2 record, which they share with Nagoya DD. Koshigaya A. at the other side keeps the seventh position with 11 games lost. They share it with Sunrockers Sh. and Saga B.. Nagasaki will meet at home Koshigaya A. (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Koshigaya A. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: S.Doumbouya 11+8reb, J.Martin 11+5reb+1ast, A.Clemmons 8+11reb+1ast, O.Takeru 8, M.Shun 6+4reb+1ast, S.Kaito 5+2ast
Nagasaki: J.Stanley 21+4reb+4ast, B.Jarrell 19+9reb+5ast, L.Hyunjung 11+6reb+1ast, M.Akil 10+6reb+3ast, K.Matsumoto 8+3reb, K.Koya 8+3reb

Sunrockers Sh. - Hokkaido L. 77-80

Eighth-ranked SunRockers (8-11) gave a tough game to second ranked Sapporo (15-4) in Tokyo on Saturday. The visitors from Sapporo managed to secure only three-point victory 80-77. However their fans expected much easier game. Hokkaido L. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. International guard Keisei Tominaga (188-2001, college: Nebraska) fired 20 points for the winners. Nigerian-American center Jahlil Okafor (211-1995, college: Duke) chipped in 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Sapporo's coach Ryutaro Onodera used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) produced 23 points and 6 rebounds and American-Qatari forward Donte Grantham (203-1995, college: Clemson) added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Sapporo have an impressive series of eight victories in a row. Hokkaido L. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Chiba Jets and Tochigi Brex. Sunrockers Sh. at the other side dropped to the seventh place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Koshigaya A. and Saga B.. Hokkaido L. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Sunrockers Sh. will play against the league's second-placed Hokkaido L. (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sunrockers Sh.: J.Hawkinson 23+6reb, D.Grantham 14+9reb+4ast, T.Daiki 14+2reb+6ast, V.Leo 11+1reb+2ast, R.Nozaki 6+1reb+3ast, T.Welsh 4+5reb+1ast
Hokkaido L.: T.Keisei 20+4reb+2ast, O.Jahlil 15+5reb+4ast, D.Ramos 15+4reb+3ast, J.Kevin 10+4reb+3ast, H.Kikuchi 9+1reb+3ast, R.Shimatani 4+2ast