B3 League Round 22 (Regular Season): Niigata A. defeats Kagawa in the game between Top 4 teams

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

An interesting game for Albirex (16-7) which hosted in Niigata one of their biggest challengers Five Arrows (14-5). Second ranked Albirex managed to get a 12-point victory 76-64. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Five Arrows. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds. American forward BJ Mack (203-2000, college: S.Carolina) contributed with 13 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) replied with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds for Kagawa. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Albirex have a solid four-game winning streak. Niigata A. maintains second position with 16-7 record behind leader Tokushima Gam. Kagawa at the other side keeps the third place with five games lost. Niigata A. are looking forward to face Kagawa (#3) in Takamatsu in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kagawa will have a break next round.
Bottom-ranked Veertien Mie managed to get a fifth victory. This time they outleveled ninth-ranked United in Kanagawa 85-66. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 19-point difference suggests that Veertien Mie is in a good shape to leave the bottom place. Latvian Matiss Kulackovskis (203-1997, college: BGSU) had a double-double by scoring 29 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Takao Kimura chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American center Jacob Polakovich (208-2000, college: S.Indiana) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Veertien Mie maintains fifteenth position with 5-17 record. Shanan Utd lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
B3 League top team - Gambarous (17-4) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they beat fourteenth ranked Pats Five (6-17) in Yamaguchi 96-80. Tavrion Dawson notched 28 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort. Even 25 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) by Even Brauns did not help to save the game for Yamaguchi. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Gambarous have a solid four-game winning streak. Tokushima Gam. maintains first position with 17-4 record. Loser Pats Five keeps the fourteenth place with 17 games lost. Tokushima Gam. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Yamaguchi will play against the league's leader Tokushima Gam. (#1) and hope to secure a win.

Other games in round 22 were not that significant. Tokyo Utd was beaten by Tokyo on the road 89-72. Shanan Utd won against Veertien Mie on its own court 73-70. Tokyo Utd was outscored by Tokyo in a road game 91-66. Gifu was rolled over Tokyo Z at home 58-78. Kanazawa was crushed by Okayama on the opponent's court 94-70.



Tokyo HT - Tokyo Utd 89-72

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Hachioji Trains (14-6) beat 11th ranked United (7-15) in Tokyo 89-72 on Friday. Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American swingman Donovan Clay (203-2001, college: Missouri St.) notched 17 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort and Dutch-New Zealand Jonathan Janssen (205-1995, college: HPU) supported him with 16 points and 4 assists. Hachioji Trains' coach Mitsuhiro Kamezaki used entire bench saving starting five for next games. Even 7 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists by Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-1996) did not help to save the game for Tokyo Utd. point guard Kedrick Stockman Jr (183-2000) added 12 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Four Tokyo Utd players scored in double figures. Tokyo moved-up to fourth place. Tokyo Utd lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with 15 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Utd: T.Konosuke 13+1reb+1ast, K.Stockman Jr. 12+5reb+2ast, G.Bula 11+4reb+2ast, K.Ren 10+2reb+2ast, R.Vague 7+7reb+5ast, F.Wesley 7+3reb+1ast
Tokyo HT: C.Donovan 17+9reb+2ast, J.Jonathan 16+3reb+4ast, F.Yamamoto 12+4reb+4ast, O.Yusaku 8+3reb+3ast, T.Kudou 8+7reb+5ast, K.Takaoka 8+1reb+2ast

Shanan Utd - Veertien Mie 73-70

Very expected game when 15th ranked Veertien Mie (5-17) was edged by ninth ranked United (10-12) in Kanagawa 73-70 on Friday. However just three-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Shanan Utd made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Guamanian-American guard Earnest Ross (198-1991, college: Missouri, agency: Haylett Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 17 points and 15 rebounds to lead the effort and American center Jacob Polakovich (208-2000, college: S.Indiana) supported him with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Four United players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 31 points and 12 rebounds by Latvian Matiss Kulackovskis (203-1997, college: BGSU) did not help to save the game for Veertien Mie. Spanish center David Doblas (208-1981) added 12 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Shanan Utd maintains ninth position with 10-12 record. Loser Veertien Mie stay at the bottom place with 17 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Veertien Mie: M.Kulackovskis 31+12reb+3ast, D.Doblas 12+6reb+2ast, S.Yusei 10+2reb+5ast, K.Tatsuya 8+2reb+3ast, S.Takaya 6+1reb+1ast, K.Takao 2+2reb+1ast
Shanan Utd: R.Earnest 17+15reb+1ast, P.Jacob 17+12reb, T.Ishii 12+1ast, S.Shigetomi 11+2reb+4ast, R.Hoshino 9+1reb+4ast, S.Takagi 4+3reb

Tokyo HT - Tokyo Utd 91-66

Very predictable result when fifth ranked Hachioji Trains (14-6) rolled over 11th ranked United (7-15) in Tokyo 91-66 on Saturday. Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American forward Taren Sullivan (198-1995, college: Findlay, OH) notched 10 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort and the other American import swingman Donovan Clay (203-2001, college: Missouri St.) supported him with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Even 12 points and 8 rebounds by Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-1996) did not help to save the game for Tokyo Utd. American center Jacob Polakovich (208-2000, college: S.Indiana) added 11 points and 5 assists 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. Tokyo moved-up to fourth place. Tokyo Utd lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with 15 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Utd: R.Vague 12+8reb+3ast, K.Ren 11+1reb+5ast, G.Bula 10+4reb, T.Shinnosuke 9+2reb+1ast, H.Hiroki 8+1reb+4ast, H.Koval 7+9reb
Tokyo HT: F.Yamamoto 17+1reb+3ast, C.Donovan 15+5reb+2ast, H.Ogane 11, S.Taren 10+8reb+6ast, K.Takahashi 10+3reb+1ast, J.Jonathan 9+8reb+1ast

Shanan Utd - Veertien Mie 66-85

Bottom-ranked Veertien Mie managed to get a fifth victory. This time they outleveled ninth-ranked United in Kanagawa 85-66. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 19-point difference suggests that Veertien Mie is in a good shape to leave the bottom place. They dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to United's 26. Latvian Matiss Kulackovskis (203-1997, college: BGSU) had a double-double by scoring 29 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Takao Kimura chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American center Jacob Polakovich (208-2000, college: S.Indiana) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds and his fellow American import forward BJ Mack (203-2000, college: S.Carolina) scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Veertien Mie maintains fifteenth position with 5-17 record. Shanan Utd lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Shanan Utd: J.Polakovich 22+10reb, H.Reiji 13+6reb+3ast, S.Shuki 9+1reb+4ast, E.Ross 8+5reb+2ast, I.Tomohiro 6+6reb, T.Iju 3+1reb+2ast
Veertien Mie: K.Matiss 29+10reb+2ast, T.Kimura 13+5reb, Y.Sano 12+2reb+2ast, T.Sawaki 9+3reb+1ast, T.Kume 7+1reb+2ast, D.David 6+11reb+1ast

Niigata A. - Kagawa FA 76-64

An interesting game for Albirex (16-7) which hosted in Niigata one of their biggest challengers Five Arrows (14-5). Second ranked Albirex managed to get a 12-point victory 76-64. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Five Arrows. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds. American forward BJ Mack (203-2000, college: S.Carolina) contributed with 13 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) replied with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Alex Davis (206-1992, college: Fresno St., agency: Diamond Sports) added 6 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Kagawa. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Albirex have a solid four-game winning streak. Niigata A. maintains second position with 16-7 record behind leader Tokushima Gam. Kagawa at the other side keeps the third place with five games lost. Niigata A. are looking forward to face Kagawa (#3) in Takamatsu in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kagawa will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kagawa FA: J.Lampkin 13+11reb+2ast, U.Yuya 11+3ast, K.Takahashi 9+1reb+3ast, I.Hajime 8+2reb+4ast, T.Katsumi 7+3reb, A.Davis 6+7reb+1ast
Niigata A.: P.Eugene 13+13reb+1ast, M.BJ 13+5reb+2ast, T.Hasegawa 9+1ast, M.Nagao 7+4reb+2ast, K.Igarashi 7+2ast, A.Higuchi 7+2reb+1ast

Gifu - Tokyo Z 58-78

There was an upset when higher ranked Swoops (11-10) were outscored by thirteenth ranked Earthfriends (7-14) in Gifu 78-58 on Saturday. Tokyo Z forced 20 Gifu turnovers. American power forward Jeremy Combs (201-1995, college: Texas Southern) notched a double-double by scoring 24 points and 14 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import forward Malik Benlevi (198-1997, college: Georgia St.) supported him with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Benlevi is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Even 14 points by point guard Reo Yamazaki (179-1999) did not help to save the game for Gifu. The other American import swingman Donovan Clay (203-2001, college: Missouri St.) added 8 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Tokyo Z moved-up to eleventh place. Loser Swoops keeps the eighth position with ten games lost. Tokyo Z will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Gifu will play against Tokyo Z (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gifu: R.Yamazaki 14+3reb+1ast, T.Masahiro 9+1reb+1ast, J.Giles 8+4reb+2ast, T.Kodai 8+5reb+4ast, K.Morito 6+3reb+2ast, D.Fotu 6+7reb+2ast
Tokyo Z: C.Jeremy 24+14reb+2ast, B.Malik 17+6reb+3ast, S.James 10+3reb+1ast, K.Kanemoto 8+4reb+2ast, R.Fujiwara 7+2reb+1ast, B.Jordan 6+2reb

Okayama - Kanazawa 94-70

Everything went according to plan when fourth ranked Try Hoop (14-9) outplayed 10th ranked Samuraiz (8-13) in Okayama 94-70 on Saturday. Okayama outrebounded Kanazawa 43-31 including 28 on the defensive glass. American forward Cherif Sow (201-1992) notched a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and Mamadou Fofana supported him with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Even a double-double of 21 points and 17 rebounds by Dutch forward Jediael Cordilia (206-2002, college: Mt.St.Mary's) did not help to save the game for Kanazawa. The other American import forward Malik Benlevi (198-1997, college: Georgia St.) added 12 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who 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. Despite that victory Okayama went down to fifth position due to points difference. Kanazawa lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with 13 games lost. Okayama will meet at home Kanazawa (#10) in the next round where they are favorite. Kanazawa will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kanazawa: J.Cordilia 21+17reb+3ast, I.Ayumu 12+1ast, C.Diop 12+5reb+1ast, T.Issei 10, O.Takayuki 4+2reb+2ast, H.Makoto 3+4reb+3ast
Okayama: M.Fofana 16+8reb, S.Cherif 16+11reb+2ast, A.Hikaru 13+2reb+2ast, H.Kameron 11+2reb+5ast, K.Wakasa 10+1reb+1ast, Y.Mukai 9+3reb+1ast

Yamaguchi - Tokushima Gam. 80-96

B3 League top team - Gambarous (17-4) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they beat fourteenth ranked Pats Five (6-17) in Yamaguchi 96-80. They outrebounded Yamaguchi 38-25 including 26 on the defensive glass. American power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) notched 28 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and American-Filipino guard Roosevelt Adams (196-1998, college: Idaho Coll.) supported him with 22 points. Four Gambarous players scored in double figures. Even 25 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) by American center Even Brauns (206-2002, college: Iowa, agency: Diamond Sports) did not help to save the game for Yamaguchi. His fellow American import center Antavion Collum (206-2000, college: McNeese St.) added 11 points for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Gambarous have a solid four-game winning streak. Tokushima Gam. maintains first position with 17-4 record. Loser Pats Five keeps the fourteenth place with 17 games lost. Tokushima Gam. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Yamaguchi will play against the league's leader Tokushima Gam. (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yamaguchi: E.Brauns 25+9reb, T.Enokida 11+1reb+3ast, A.Collum 11+4reb+2ast, I.Yuki 10+3reb, K.Shuto 8+1reb+8ast, H.Bostyn 5+6reb+2ast
Tokushima Gam.: D.Tavrion 28+8reb+4ast, A.Roosevelt 22+4reb+1ast, M.Naoto 12+2reb+1ast, M.Chris 11+5reb, T.Aoyama 5+3reb, Y.Tsukamoto 5+2reb+2ast