B1 League Round 20 (Regular Season): Chiba Jets edge Nagoya DD by one point

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 20 in the B1 League took place in Chiba. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Dolphins (17-3) to third ranked Jets (16-4) 87-86 in the game for the first place. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Dolphins. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Chiba Jets made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points, 21 rebounds and 5 assists. The other American import forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) chipped in 22 points and 5 assists. The former international swingman Keita Imamura (191-1996) produced 20 points for the guests. Dolphins' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Chiba Jets keep a position of league leader, which they share with Hokkaido L. and Tochigi Brex. Nagoya DD at the other side keeps the second place with three games lost. Chiba Jets is looking forward to face Kawasaki (#11) in Kanagawa in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Nagoya DD will play on the road against Ryukyu (#4) in Okinawa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Leader Tochigi Brex delivered the sixteenth victory. This time they beat 12th ranked Happinets (3-17) 86-81. The former international swingman Makoto Hiejima (191-1990) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Isaac Fotu contributed with 21 points and 4 assists for the winners. Australian power forward Keanu Pinder (210-1995, college: Arizona) replied with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 13 rebounds for Akita NH. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Tochigi Brex have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 16-4 record, which they share with Chiba Jets and Hokkaido L. Akita NH lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth place with 17 games lost. They share the position with Ibaraki R.. Tochigi Brex will play against Osaka E. (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Akita NH will play against Sendai 89ers (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Leader Velca recorded the eighteenth victory on Sunday night. This time they crushed 7th ranked Alphas (8-12) 99-76 in Nagasaki. Worth to mention a quality performance of Stanley Johnson who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. Sekou Doumbouya responded with 23 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!). 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 (18-2) have an impressive six-game winning streak. Nagasaki maintains first position. Loser Alphas keeps the seventh place with 12 games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Nagasaki will meet Hiroshima D. (#5) on the road in the next round. Koshigaya A. will play against Ibaraki R. and hope to secure a win.

Rest of the games of round 20 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Ryukyu defeated Hiroshima D. in Okinawa 74-68. Kyoto H. was beaten by Kawasaki at home 77-80. Chiba destroyed Osaka E. on the opponent's court 93-68. Saga B. managed to outperform Alvark Tokyo in a home game 90-77. FE Nagoya managed to beat Sendai 89ers on the road 70-57. Sunrockers Sh. was defeated by Hokkaido L. on its own court 94-100. Gunma CT was beaten by Toyama G. in a road game 91-82. Ibaraki R. lost to Yokohama BC at home 77-92. Shimane SM unfortunately lost to San-en NP on the opponent's court 92-99.



Chiba Jets - Nagoya DD 87-86

The most exciting game of round 20 in the B1 League took place in Chiba. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Dolphins (17-3) to third ranked Jets (16-4) 87-86 in the game for the first place. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Dolphins. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Chiba Jets made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points, 21 rebounds and 5 assists. The other American import forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) chipped in 22 points and 5 assists. The former international swingman Keita Imamura (191-1996) produced 20 points and American center Alan Williams (203-1993, college: UCSB) added 19 points and 5 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) respectively for the guests. Four Chiba Jets and five Nagoya DD players scored in double figures. Dolphins' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Chiba Jets keep a position of league leader, which they share with Hokkaido L. and Tochigi Brex. Nagoya DD at the other side keeps the second place with three games lost. Chiba Jets is looking forward to face Kawasaki (#11) in Kanagawa in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Nagoya DD will play on the road against Ryukyu (#4) in Okinawa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: H.DJ 22+4reb+5ast, T.Yuki 15+1reb+2ast, M.John 15+21reb+5ast, L.Nassir 13+10reb, O.Michael 8+1reb, W.Yuta 7+6reb+6ast
Nagoya DD: K.Imamura 20+2reb+3ast, A.Williams 19+5reb, S.Takumi 15+2reb+2ast, A.Henry 13+5reb+2ast, S.Eatherton 11+11reb+2ast, K.Richardson 4+5reb+1ast

Hiroshima D. - Ryukyu GK 68-74

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 5th ranked Dragonflies' (11-9) home loss to fourth ranked Golden Kings (14-6) 68-74 on Sunday. Ryukyu looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) who helped to win the game recording 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who added 17 points and 11 rebounds during the contest. Guard Christopher Smith (193-1994, college: Utah St.) responded with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Golden Kings have an impressive five-game winning streak. Ryukyu moved-up to third place, which they share with Sea Horses M. Loser Dragonflies keeps the fifth position with nine games lost. They share it with Shimane SM. Ryukyu will meet at home league's second-placed Nagoya DD in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Hiroshima D. will play against the league's leader Nagasaki and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: L.Victor 20+8reb+6ast, C.Jack 17+11reb+1ast, K.Alex 10+6reb+3ast, D.Damyean 9+4reb+2ast, R.Sadohara 7+2reb+2ast, Y.Matsuwaki 5+1reb+2ast
Hiroshima D.: M.Keijiro 19+4reb, C.Smith 19+8reb+6ast, D.Evans 18+12reb+3ast, N.Mayo 8+4reb+3ast, K.Cockburn 4+4reb, S.Ryosei 0+3ast

Kyoto H. - Kawasaki BT 77-80

The game between closely ranked teams ended with eleventh ranked Brave Thunders' (4-16) road victory over 12th ranked Hannaryz (6-14) 80-77 on Sunday. Kawasaki made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Serbian center Dusan Ristic (213-1995, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and Ryusei Shinoyama who added 14 points and 6 assists during the contest. American power forward Jordan Heath (208-1991, college: Canisius, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) scored 9 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Kawasaki maintains eleventh position with 4-16 record. Loser Hannaryz keeps the twelfth place with 14 games lost. They share the position with Toyama G.. Kawasaki will meet higher ranked Chiba Jets (#3) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Kyoto H. will play against Shimane SM (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: A.Rosco 16+3reb+3ast, R.Shinoyama 14+2reb+6ast, R.Dusan 13+11reb+5ast, S.Tsuyama 11+1reb+3ast, K.Mizuno 9+1reb+3ast, T.Emanuel 7+5reb
Kyoto H.: R.Shibuta 12+2ast, T.Furukawa 11+3reb, J.Heath 11+10reb+2ast, K.Hayato 11+3ast, O.Asato 9+1reb+1ast, C.Tapscott 9+5reb+4ast

Osaka E. - Chiba 68-93

There was a minor upset in Osaka where 7th ranked Evessa (9-11) was rolled over by tenth ranked Chiba (7-13) 93-68 on Sunday. Chiba shot 61.8 percent from the field. Chiba had a 28-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Chiba especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.9 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Reo Maeda (191-1997, agency: Schafer Sports) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 6 assists and Kotetsu Kurokawa who added 19 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) during the contest. American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) responded with 18 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and his fellow American import Ryan Luther (206-1995, college: Arizona) scored 12 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Newly promoted Chiba maintains tenth position with 7-13 record, which they share with FE Nagoya. Loser Evessa dropped to the sixth place with 11 games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Chiba will meet at home league's second-placed Hokkaido L. in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Osaka E. will play against the league's leader Tochigi Brex (#1) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Chiba: K.Kurokawa 19+1reb+3ast, M.Reo 16+4reb+6ast, P.Dererk 11+3reb+3ast, O.Femi 10+2reb, N.Kumagae 9+1reb, K.Sugimoto 7+3reb+7ast
Osaka E.: M.Bonds 18+5reb+1ast, R.Luther 12+4reb+3ast, M.Hayato 9+4reb+2ast, K.Makoto 6+3reb, S.Seiga 5+1reb+2ast, S.Tatsuya 4+4ast

Saga B. - Alvark Tokyo 90-77

There was a surprise result in Saga where ninth ranked Ballooners (9-11) beat higher ranked Alvark (10-10) 90-77 on Sunday. Saga B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Tanner Groves (208-1999, college: Oklahoma) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 9 rebounds and Ryo Abe who added 18 points and 6 assists during the contest. Four Ballooners players scored in double figures. The former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) responded with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds and Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) scored 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Saga B. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Alvark Tokyo lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with ten games lost. Saga B. will meet higher ranked Sea Horses M. (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Alvark Tokyo will play against Yokohama BC and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: R.Abe 18+2reb+6ast, G.Tanner 18+9reb+1ast, D.David 16+6reb+2ast, K.Kanamaru 12+2ast, H.Josh 6+5reb+2ast, R.Inoue 5
Alvark Tokyo: R.Rossiter 14+15reb+1ast, M.Foster 14+2reb+5ast, S.Saiz 14+5reb+4ast, H.Nakamura 8+1reb+4ast, T.Osakabe 8+2reb+4ast, A.Shuto 6+2ast

Sendai 89ers - FE Nagoya 57-70

There was an upset in Sendai where higher ranked 89ers (9-11) were defeated by eleventh ranked Fighting Eagles (7-13) 70-57 on Sunday. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and forward Jeremy Jones (201-1996, college: Gonzaga) who added 18 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) responded with 20 points and 7 rebounds and Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) scored 10 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. FE Nagoya moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Chiba. Loser 89ers keep the sixth position with 11 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. FE Nagoya will meet at home Toyama G. (#13) in the next round. Sendai 89ers will play against Akita NH (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: J.Jeremy 18+8reb+1ast, O.Sean 18+10reb+4ast, P.Jamorko 9+1reb+1ast, R.Yasuoka 9+4reb+5ast, F.Lopez 5+4reb, T.Sugimoto 4+2reb+1ast
Sendai 89ers: J.Culver 20+7reb+3ast, W.Shota 15+4reb+1ast, N.Boothe 10+9reb+2ast, B.Toure 5+5reb, S.Inoue 3, A.Yusho 2+2reb+1ast

Sunrockers Sh. - Hokkaido L. 94-100

Everything went according to plan in Tokyo where second ranked Sapporo (16-4) won against 8th ranked SunRockers (8-12) 100-94 on Sunday. Hokkaido L. dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to SunRockers's 36. Worth to mention a great performance of international guard Keisei Tominaga (188-2001, college: Nebraska) who helped to win the game recording 27 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and Nigerian-American center Jahlil Okafor (211-1995, college: Duke) who added 22 points and 6 assists during the contest. Sapporo's coach Ryutaro Onodera used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) responded with 27 points and 5 rebounds and American-Qatari forward Donte Grantham (203-1995, college: Clemson) scored 19 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Sapporo have an impressive nine-game winning streak. Hokkaido L. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Chiba Jets and Tochigi Brex. Loser SunRockers dropped to the seventh place with 12 games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Hokkaido L. will meet Chiba (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sunrockers Sh. will play against Gunma CT and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: T.Keisei 27+4reb+1ast, O.Jahlil 22+3reb+6ast, J.Kevin 19+8reb+2ast, D.Ramos 15+3reb+4ast, H.Kikuchi 6, R.Shimatani 6+3reb+1ast
Sunrockers Sh.: J.Hawkinson 27+5reb+3ast, D.Grantham 19+4reb+2ast, V.Leo 15+2reb+2ast, T.Welsh 10+7reb+2ast, A.Randall 9+2ast, T.Daiki 7+1reb+3ast

Toyama G. - Gunma CT 91-82

There was an upset in Toyama where higher ranked Thunders (13-7) were defeated by thirteenth ranked Grouses (6-14) 91-82 on Sunday. Toyama G. made 26-of-31 free shots (83.9 percent) during the game. Toyama G. outrebounded Gunma CT 48-28 including a 19-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. Toyama G. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Australian forward Brock Motum (208-1990, college: WSU, agency: Slash Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 31 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists and Yuzo Okada who added 19 points and 6 assists during the contest. Grouses' coach David Gomez used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. International guard Keisei Tominaga (188-2001, college: Nebraska) responded with 21 points and American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) scored 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Toyama G. and five Gunma CT players scored in double figures. Toyama G. moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Kyoto H. Loser Thunders keeps the fourth position with seven games lost. Toyama G. will meet higher ranked FE Nagoya (#11) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Gunma CT will play against Sunrockers Sh. (#8) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: M.Brock 31+13reb+4ast, Y.Okada 19+2reb+6ast, M.Yannis 15+6reb+1ast, W.Nyika 13+12reb, U.Naoki 8+6reb+5ast, K.Miyamoto 3+6reb+2ast
Gunma CT: F.Yuma 21+2reb, T.Nakamura 17+1ast, T.McKinney-Jones 12+5reb+5ast, H.Kazuki 12+2reb+1ast, T.Woodbury 11+6reb+1ast, D.Taniguchi 4+1reb

Ibaraki R. - Yokohama BC 77-92

No shocking result in a game in Mito where ninth ranked B-Corsairs (8-12) defeated 13th ranked Robots (3-17) 92-77 on Sunday. Yokohama BC made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of French power forward Damien Inglis (206-1995, agency: Octagon Europe) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and American center Kaleb Tarczewski (212-1993, college: Arizona) who added 12 points and 14 rebounds during the contest. American forward Robert Franks (205-1996, college: WSU) responded with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and his fellow American import Tyler Cook (206-1997, college: Iowa) scored 11 points and 7 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. Yokohama BC moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Ibaraki R. lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with 17 games lost. They share it with Akita NH. Yokohama BC will meet higher ranked Alvark Tokyo (#5) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Ibaraki R. will play against Koshigaya A. (#7) in Tokyo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: I.Damien 18+11reb+4ast, C.Gary 16+7reb, A.Seiya 13, T.Kaleb 12+14reb+2ast, R.Kiefer 10+1reb+3ast, K.Sudo 9+2ast
Ibaraki R.: N.Kohei 12+2reb+4ast, E.Jacobsen 11+7reb, T.Cook 11+7reb+2ast, H.Komasawa 11+3reb, R.Franks 10+7reb+5ast, H.Noboru 10+1reb+5ast

San-en NP - Shimane SM 99-92

There was an upset in Hamamatsu where higher ranked Magic (11-9) was defeated by tenth ranked NeoPhoenix (8-12) 99-92 on Sunday. San-en NP looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Darius Days (201-1999, college: LSU, agency: Slash Sports) who helped to win the game recording 29 points and 7 rebounds and Sota Oura who added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists during the contest. American forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas, agency: Slash Sports) responded with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and his fellow American import forward James McAdoo (206-1993, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) scored 21 points and 8 rebounds. Five San-en NP and four Shimane SM players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. San-en NP moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Magic dropped to the fifth position with nine games lost. They share it with Hiroshima D.. San-en NP will meet at home Shiga L-Stars (#9) in the next round. Shimane SM will play against Kyoto H. (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: D.Darius 29+7reb, J.Cameron 14+4reb+2ast, N.David 12+7reb+4ast, J.Kodama 10+5reb+3ast, S.Oura 10+5reb+10ast, H.Asai 8
Shimane SM: C.Clarke 22+5reb+5ast, J.McAdoo 21+8reb+2ast, O.Yuta 13+2reb+5ast, N.Kay 11+6reb+6ast, N.Taichi 9+2reb+2ast, S.Anthony 9+3reb

Tochigi Brex - Akita NH 86-81

Leader Tochigi Brex delivered the sixteenth victory. This time they beat 12th ranked Happinets (3-17) 86-81. Tochigi Brex players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. The former international swingman Makoto Hiejima (191-1990) orchestrated the victory by scoring 24 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Isaac Fotu contributed with 21 points and 4 assists for the winners. Australian power forward Keanu Pinder (210-1995, college: Arizona) replied with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 13 rebounds and New Zealand-German center Yannick Wetzell (206-1996, college: SDSU) added 16 points and 13 rebounds in the effort for Akita NH. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Tochigi Brex have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 16-4 record, which they share with Chiba Jets and Hokkaido L. Akita NH lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth place with 17 games lost. They share the position with Ibaraki R.. Tochigi Brex will play against Osaka E. (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Akita NH will play against Sendai 89ers (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: H.Makoto 24+5reb+6ast, I.Fotu 21+2reb+4ast, E.Gavin 16+9reb+1ast, N.DJ 12+7reb+5ast, S.Takashima 5+2reb+1ast, J.Grant 3+5reb+2ast
Akita NH: K.Pinder 25+13reb+3ast, A.Mezher 18+3reb+5ast, Y.Wetzell 16+13reb+3ast, A.Raita 10, J.McLean 6+3reb, N.Takuya 4+2reb+2ast

Nagasaki - Koshigaya A. 99-76

Leader Velca recorded the eighteenth victory on Sunday night. This time they crushed 7th ranked Alphas (8-12) 99-76 in Nagasaki. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Worth to mention a quality performance of American Stanley Johnson (201-1996, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists and the other American import Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston) who added 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Guinean-French Sekou Doumbouya (206-2000) responded with 23 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) and scored 15 points and 6 assists. Five Nagasaki and four Koshigaya A. players 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 (18-2) have an impressive six-game winning streak. Nagasaki maintains first position. Loser Alphas keeps the seventh place with 12 games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Nagasaki will meet Hiroshima D. (#5) on the road in the next round. Koshigaya A. will play against Ibaraki R. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: J.Stanley 24+10reb+8ast, B.Jarrell 21+7reb+4ast, L.Hyunjung 17+5reb+1ast, Y.Hayato 11+2reb+1ast, B.Yudai 10+5reb+2ast, K.Koya 8+3reb
Koshigaya A.: S.Doumbouya 23+6reb+1ast, J.Martin 17+4reb+1ast, M.Shun 15+4reb+6ast, A.Clemmons 10+6reb+3ast, O.Takeru 3, S.Kaito 2+2reb+1ast