B1 League Round 28 (Regular Season): Alvark Tokyo beat Sea Horses M. by three after a very close game

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 28 in the B1 League took place in Kariya. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of one of their biggest challengers SeaHorses (19-9) to fourth ranked Alvark (18-10) 82-79 on Sunday evening. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording 24 points. American Marcus Foster (191-1995, college: Creighton) contributed with 22 points and 7 assists for the winners. American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) replied with 17 points for Sea Horses M.SeaHorses' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Alvark have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Alvark Tokyo maintains fourth position with 18-10 record, which they share with Gunma CT. Sea Horses M. at the other side keeps the third place with nine games lost. Alvark Tokyo is looking forward to face Hiroshima D. (#6) at home in the next round. Sea Horses M. will play against Ryukyu in Okinawa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Dolphins (21-7) against fifth ranked Magic (16-12) on Sunday night. Visiting Dolphins were defeated by Magic in a tough game in Shimane 88-97. Worth to mention a great performance of Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 27 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!) and Yuta Okada who added 23 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) responded with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Dolphins' coach let to play eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Shimane SM maintains fifth position with 16-12 record, which they share with Sendai 89ers and Hiroshima D. Nagoya DD at the other side keeps the second place with seven games lost. Shimane SM will play against Chiba (#10) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Nagoya DD will play against Kyoto H. (#13) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game for Velca (25-3) which hosted in Nagasaki their biggest opponent Jets (22-6). First ranked Velca had an easy win 93-77. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by Stanley Johnson who scored that evening 27 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Even 24 points and 9 rebounds by Nassir Little did not help to save the game for Chiba Jets. Jets' coach gave the chance to play for ten players seeing no chance for a win. Nagasaki maintains first position with 25-3 record. Loser Jets keep the second place with six games lost. They share the position with Hokkaido L.. Nagasaki will meet at home Yokohama BC (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Chiba Jets will play against Toyama G. (#12) and hope to secure a win.

Other games in round 28 were not that significant. Sendai 89ers smashed Ryukyu on the road 85-66. Akita NH lost to FE Nagoya on its own court 87-104. Ibaraki R. unfortunately lost to Hiroshima D. in a road game 88-98. Hokkaido L. managed to beat Kyoto H. at home 99-92. Toyama G. defeated Shiga L-Stars on the opponent's court 79-71. Sunrockers Sh. was smashed by Osaka E. in a home game 51-78. Chiba was destroyed by Yokohama BC on the road 86-60. Gunma CT outscored San-en NP on its own court 91-71. Tochigi Brex managed to beat Koshigaya A. in a road game 80-67.



Ryukyu GK - Sendai 89ers 66-85

There was a small surprise when sixth ranked 89ers (16-12) crushed one of their biggest challengers Golden Kings (17-11) in Okinawa 85-66 on Sunday. The winners were led by American guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) who scored that evening 37 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds and Lebanese guard Sergio El Darwich (194-1996, college: Maine) supported him with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Even a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds by international center Alex Kirk (211-1991, college: N.Mexico, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Ryukyu. added 12 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sendai 89ers moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Hiroshima D. and Shimane SM. Ryukyu lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with 11 games lost. Sendai 89ers will meet at home league's leader Tochigi Brex in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Ryukyu will play against Sea Horses M. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: A.Kirk 17+11reb+2ast, W.Masahiro 12+5reb+2ast, D.Dotson 11+2reb+1ast, J.Cooley 7+5reb+3ast, S.Ryo 7+7reb+1ast, A.Hayate 6+1reb
Sendai 89ers: C.Jarrett 37+9reb+2ast, E.Sergio 15+5reb+8ast, B.Nathan 7+2reb+1ast, T.Boubacar 7+6reb+1ast, Y.Sugiura 6+1reb, Y.Araya 5+1reb

Akita NH - FE Nagoya 87-104

Very expected game when 13th ranked Happinets (5-23) lost to eighth ranked Fighting Eagles (12-16) in Akita 87-104 on Sunday. FE Nagoya shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 53.8 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by American power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) who scored that evening 25 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists and the former international guard Narito Namizato (172-1989) supported him with 18 points and 8 assists. Fighting Eagles' coach used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds by Australian power forward Keanu Pinder (210-1995, college: Arizona) did not help to save the game for Akita NH. Lebanese guard Sergio El Darwich (194-1996, college: Maine) added 17 points and 4 assists for lost side. Five FE Nagoya and four Akita NH players scored in double figures. FE Nagoya maintains eighth position with 12-16 record. Loser Happinets keeps the thirteenth place with 23 games lost. FE Nagoya will meet Sunrockers Sh. (#9) in the next round. Akita NH will play against San-en NP (#10) in Hamamatsu and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: K.Pinder 17+11reb+3ast, N.Takuya 17+3reb+4ast, S.Teru 15+2reb+6ast, J.McLean 15+4reb+2ast, T.Kanji 8+1reb+3ast, A.Mezher 7
FE Nagoya: O.Sean 25+9reb+7ast, P.Jamorko 25+3reb, N.Narito 18+3reb+8ast, T.Sudo 12, T.Sasayama 10+3reb+4ast, F.Lopez 6+1reb+1ast

Hiroshima D. - Ibaraki R. 98-88

Very predictable result when sixth ranked Dragonflies (16-12) won against 11th ranked Robots (7-21) in Hiroshima 98-88 on Sunday. Hiroshima D. made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game. They 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 15 rebounds and American guard Christopher Smith (193-1994, college: Utah St.) supported him with 22 points. Four Dragonflies players scored in double figures. Even 22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists by American forward Robert Franks (205-1996, college: WSU) did not help to save the game for Ibaraki R.. His fellow American import Eric Jacobsen (208-1994, college: Arizona St.) added 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Hiroshima D. moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Sendai 89ers and Shimane SM. Loser Robots keeps the eleventh position with 21 games lost. They share it with Kyoto H.. Hiroshima D. will meet higher ranked Alvark Tokyo (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Ibaraki R. will play against Shiga L-Stars (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: H.Noboru 25+3ast, R.Franks 22+8reb+5ast, E.Jacobsen 21+8reb+5ast, A.Hirao 6, J.Yang 5+3reb, J.Ruu 4+1reb+1ast
Hiroshima D.: S.Christopher 22+2reb+1ast, C.Kofi 20+15reb+3ast, E.Dwayne 16+7reb+2ast, T.Kamisawa 13+1reb+4ast, K.Mitani 9+2reb+1ast, M.Nick 6+2reb+3ast

Hokkaido L. - Kyoto H. 99-92

Not a big story in a game when 13th ranked Hannaryz (7-21) lost on the road to third ranked Sapporo (22-6) 99-92 on Sunday. Hokkaido L. shot 62.7 percent from the field. Hokkaido L. outrebounded Kyoto H. 29-17 including 19 on the defensive glass. It was a great shooting night for Hokkaido L. especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.9 percentage. The winners were led by Dwight Ramos who scored that evening 19 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and Nigerian-American center Jahlil Okafor (211-1995, college: Duke) supported him with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Even 19 points and 8 assists by Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Kyoto H.. American power forward Jordan Heath (208-1991, college: Canisius, agency: Octagon Europe) added 13 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sapporo have a solid three-game winning streak. Hokkaido L. moved-up to second place, which they share with Chiba Jets. Loser Hannaryz dropped to the eleventh position with 21 games lost. They share it with Ibaraki R.. Hokkaido L. will meet Kawasaki (#12) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Kyoto H. will play against the league's second-placed Nagoya DD and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: A.Caloiaro 19+3reb+8ast, O.Asato 15+1reb+3ast, J.Heath 13+8reb+2ast, C.Tapscott 13+1reb+3ast, R.Shibuta 11+1reb+3ast, K.Hayato 10+1ast
Hokkaido L.: D.Ramos 19+6reb+6ast, T.Keisei 19+1reb+1ast, O.Jahlil 18+6reb+3ast, S.Ichiba 15+1reb, J.Kevin 12+6reb+2ast, H.John 11+5reb

Nagasaki - Chiba Jets 93-77

An interesting game for Velca (25-3) which hosted in Nagasaki their biggest opponent Jets (22-6). First ranked Velca had an easy win 93-77. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by Stanley Johnson (201-1996, college: Arizona) who scored that evening 27 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals and Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston) supported him with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 24 points and 9 rebounds by forward Nassir Little (199-2000, college: UNC, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Chiba Jets. Forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) added 14 points and 9 rebounds for lost side. Four Chiba Jets players scored in double figures. Jets' coach gave the chance to play for ten players seeing no chance for a win. Nagasaki maintains first position with 25-3 record. Loser Jets keep the second place with six games lost. They share the position with Hokkaido L.. Nagasaki will meet at home Yokohama BC (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Chiba Jets will play against Toyama G. (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: N.Little 24+9reb+2ast, Y.Watanabe 15+6reb+3ast, J.Mooney 14+9reb+3ast, D.Hogg 10+4reb+3ast, H.Shuta 8+1reb+1ast, Y.Togashi 6+2reb+4ast
Nagasaki: J.Stanley 27+8reb+5ast, L.Hyunjung 21+7reb+1ast, B.Jarrell 20+5reb+4ast, Y.Hayato 8+2reb, B.Yudai 7+8reb+5ast, K.Koya 6+2reb

Shiga L-Stars - Toyama G. 71-79

There was a small surprise when twelfth ranked Grouses (9-19) defeated 10th ranked Lakestars (11-17) in Shiga 79-71 on Sunday. The winners were led by Syrian-American guard Trey Kell III (193-1996, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds and French power forward Yannis Morin (208-1993, agency: Slash Sports) supported him with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks. Even a double-double of 34 points (!!!) and 15 rebounds by Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Shiga L-Stars. American forward Thomas Wimbush (201-1993, college: Fairmont St., agency: Slash Sports) added 15 points and 12 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Toyama G. moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Sunrockers Sh. Shiga L-Stars lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with 17 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Toyama G. will meet league's second-placed Chiba Jets on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Shiga L-Stars will play against Ibaraki R. (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shiga L-Stars: Z.Auguste 34+15reb+3ast, T.Wimbush 15+12reb+2ast, D.Nomoto 6+1reb+1ast, Y.AC 5+3reb+3ast, O.Taiki 4+2reb+2ast, T.Kohei 3+1reb+1ast
Toyama G.: M.Yannis 22+11reb, K.Trey 22+12reb+3ast, M.Brock 8+7reb+2ast, H.Tanaka 7+1reb+1ast, W.Nyika 5+6reb, Y.Okada 4+2reb+5ast

Shimane SM - Nagoya DD 97-88

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Dolphins (21-7) against fifth ranked Magic (16-12) on Sunday night. Visiting Dolphins were defeated by Magic in a tough game in Shimane 88-97. Shimane SM made 25-of-27 charity shots (92.6 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Nagoya DD was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 27 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!) and Yuta Okada who added 23 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) responded with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists and his fellow American import Marcus Foster (191-1995, college: Creighton) scored 18 points and 5 assists. Four Shimane SM and five Nagoya DD players scored in double figures. Dolphins' coach let to play eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Shimane SM maintains fifth position with 16-12 record, which they share with Sendai 89ers and Hiroshima D. Nagoya DD at the other side keeps the second place with seven games lost. Shimane SM will play against Chiba (#10) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Nagoya DD will play against Kyoto H. (#13) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: K.Imamura 19+3reb+1ast, S.Takumi 18+1reb+5ast, S.Eatherton 15+9reb+6ast, A.Henry 13+1reb+2ast, I.Murphy 11+2reb+3ast, K.Richardson 4+6reb+1ast
Shimane SM: K.Nick 27+13reb+6ast, Y.Okada 23+5reb+3ast, Y.Nohmi 15+1reb+1ast, C.Coty 14+5reb+4ast, T.Nakamura 8+2reb+4ast, A.Sukegawa 6+1reb+2ast

Sunrockers Sh. - Osaka E. 51-78

There was a minor upset when 9th ranked SunRockers (9-19) were outleveled by eleventh ranked Evessa (11-17) in Tokyo 78-51 on Sunday. Osaka E. outrebounded Sunrockers Sh. 40-29 including 26 on the defensive glass. The winners were led by American Ryan Luther (206-1995, college: Arizona) who scored that evening 18 points and 8 rebounds and Ukrainian center Volodymyr Gerun (208-1994, college: Portland) supported him with 10 points and 15 rebounds. Four Evessa players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 10 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists by American-Qatari forward Donte Grantham (203-1995, college: Clemson) did not help to save the game for Sunrockers Sh.. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) 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. Osaka E. moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser SunRockers keeps the ninth position with 19 games lost. They share it with Toyama G.. Osaka E. will meet at home Koshigaya A. (#8) in the next round. Sunrockers Sh. will play against FE Nagoya and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sunrockers Sh.: J.Hawkinson 12+2reb+1ast, D.Grantham 10+13reb+4ast, A.Randall 7+3reb, T.Daiki 7+1reb+2ast, O.Keitaro 6+1reb+1ast, T.Murphy Jr. 4+3reb
Osaka E.: L.Ryan 18+8reb+2ast, P.Ray 14+2reb+3ast, H.Maki 12, G.Volodymyr 10+15reb+2ast, Y.Uematsu 8+2reb, M.Kinoshita 6+2ast

Yokohama BC - Chiba 86-60

No shocking result in a game when eighth ranked B-Corsairs (11-17) crushed 10th ranked Chiba (8-20) in Yokohama 86-60 on Sunday. Yokohama BC made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 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 16 points and 14 rebounds and the former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) supported him with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Four B-Corsairs players scored in double figures. Even 20 points and 6 rebounds by Jamaican-American power forward Femi Olujobi (206-1996, college: DePaul, agency: Slash Sports) did not help to save the game for Chiba. American forward Trey Porter (210-1996, college: Nevada, agency: JCK Sports Group) added 11 points and 6 rebounds 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. Yokohama BC moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Chiba lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the tenth position with 20 games lost. Yokohama BC will meet league's leader Nagasaki on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Chiba will play against Shimane SM (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Chiba: F.Olujobi 20+6reb+1ast, T.Porter 11+6reb, R.Maeda 8+3reb+1ast, K.Takaaki 6, D.Pardon 5+6reb+2ast, W.Leon 4+2reb
Yokohama BC: A.Seiya 20+5reb+6ast, R.Kiefer 18+1reb+6ast, I.Damien 16+14reb+2ast, T.Kaleb 13+9reb+3ast, K.Maeno 6+1reb, T.Hiroki 5+1reb+1ast

Gunma CT - San-en NP 91-71

Very expected game when 9th ranked NeoPhoenix (11-17) was smashed by fifth ranked Thunders (18-10) in Gunma 91-71 on Sunday. Gunma CT looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by San-en NP's players. The winners were led by American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) who scored that evening 20 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and Filipino-British power forward AJ Edu (208-2000, college: Toledo) supported him with 11 points and 7 rebounds. Four Thunders players scored in double figures. Thunders' coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) by American-Nigerian swingman David Nwaba (195-1993, college: Cal Poly) did not help to save the game for San-en NP. The former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) added 17 points for lost side. Gunma CT moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Loser NeoPhoenix dropped to the seventh position with 17 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Gunma CT will meet Saga B. (#7) on the road in the next round. San-en NP will play against Akita NH and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: D.Nwaba 21+8reb+4ast, T.Kazuma 17+1reb+1ast, W.Hayato 10+1reb+3ast, O.Sota 9+4ast, D.Days 9+3reb+2ast, C.Jackson 3+6reb+1ast
Gunma CT: B.Kerry 20+5reb+7ast, W.Terrance 18+3reb, N.Tsuji 14+1reb+6ast, E.AJ 11+7reb+3ast, N.Takuto 9+1reb+2ast, Y.Fujii 6+7ast

Koshigaya A. - Tochigi Brex 67-80

Very predictable result when first ranked Tochigi Brex (23-5) won against 7th ranked Alphas (10-18) in Tokyo 80-67 on Sunday. Tochigi Brex made 20-of-22 free shots (90.9 percent) during the game. The winners were led by Isaac Fotu who had that evening a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds and American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) supported him with 17 points. Even a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds by American Jarell Martin (208-1994, college: LSU) did not help to save the game for Koshigaya A.. Filipino-British power forward AJ Edu (208-2000, college: Toledo) added 11 points and 6 assists for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tochigi Brex have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 23-5 record. Loser Alphas dropped to the eighth place with 18 games lost. Tochigi Brex will meet Sendai 89ers (#6) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Koshigaya A. will play against Osaka E. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: J.Martin 17+13reb+2ast, M.Shun 14, I.Yuichi 11+2reb+6ast, K.Shuhei 9+1reb, A.Clemmons 6+5reb+3ast, Y.Kamata 3+2reb
Tochigi Brex: N.DJ 17+2reb+3ast, I.Fotu 17+11reb+2ast, H.Makoto 14+1reb+2ast, K.Hoshikawa 6, H.Watanabe 6, S.Takashima 5+1reb+1ast

Sea Horses M. - Alvark Tokyo 79-82

The most exciting game of round 28 in the B1 League took place in Kariya. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of one of their biggest challengers SeaHorses (19-9) to fourth ranked Alvark (18-10) 82-79 on Sunday evening. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Shuto Ando who helped to win the game recording 24 points. American Marcus Foster (191-1995, college: Creighton) contributed with 22 points and 7 assists for the winners. American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) replied with 17 points and his fellow American import forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) added 16 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Sea Horses M.Four Sea Horses M. players scored in double figures. SeaHorses' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Alvark have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Alvark Tokyo maintains fourth position with 18-10 record, which they share with Gunma CT. Sea Horses M. at the other side keeps the third place with nine games lost. Alvark Tokyo is looking forward to face Hiroshima D. (#6) at home in the next round. Sea Horses M. will play against Ryukyu in Okinawa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: D.Gardner 17+3reb+3ast, T.Kennedy 17+3reb+1ast, J.Layman 16+6reb, K.Yoshiaki 12+3reb+6ast, S.Yutaroh 5, N.Satoshi 4+5ast
Alvark Tokyo: S.Ando 24+4reb+2ast, F.Marcus 22+7ast, S.Sebastian 16+6reb+3ast, F.Chase 6+2reb+2ast, N.Hiromu 5+4ast, Z.Baranski 5+2reb