B3 League Round 28 (Regular Season): Tokushima Gam. beat Tokyo by two after a very close game

B3 League is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 28 rounds left. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Fifth-ranked Hachioji Trains (16-10) used its home court advantage to challenge first ranked Gambarous (22-4) in Tokyo on Saturday. The visitors from Tokushima managed to secure only two-point victory 78-76. However their fans expected much easier game. Tokushima Gam. outrebounded Tokyo 39-28 including 25 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 6 rebounds. Canadian center Chris McLaughlin (208-1992, college: Victoria, agency: Starting 5) contributed with 14 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. American forward Taren Sullivan (198-1995, college: Findlay, OH) replied with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for Tokyo. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Gambarous have an impressive nine-game winning streak. Tokushima Gam. maintains first position with 22-4 record. Tokyo lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with ten games lost. Tokushima Gam. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tokyo's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tokyo to the arena Tokyo Z.
B3 League top team - Gambarous (22-4) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed fifth ranked Hachioji Trains (16-10) in Tokyo 93-69. Worth to mention a quality performance of American power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 9 rebounds and Chris McLaughlin who added 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side American swingman Donovan Clay (203-2001, college: Missouri St.) responded with 21 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gambarous have an impressive nine-game winning streak. Tokushima Gam. maintains first position with 22-4 record. Tokyo lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with ten games lost. Tokushima Gam. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tokyo's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tokyo to the arena Tokyo Z.
Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Albirex (17-11) and Earthfriends (9-19), which took place in Niigata. Higher ranked Albirex was outleveled at home by thirteenth ranked Earthfriends 102-79 on Sunday. The winners were led by Jeremy Combs who scored that evening 32 points and 6 rebounds. Even 16 points by Eugene Phelps did not help to save the game for Niigata A.. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tokyo Z moved-up to eleventh place. Niigata A. at the other side keeps the fifth position with 11 games lost. Tokyo Z's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tokyo Tokyo.

Other games in round 28 were not that significant. Saitama smashed Kanazawa on the road 90-69. Bottom-ranked Veertien Mie lost to Gifu on its own court 68-82. Tokyo Z was outscored by Niigata A. in a road game 63-85. Kanazawa recorded a loss to Saitama at home 73-81. Gifu crushed Veertien Mie on the opponent's court 85-64.



Tokyo HT - Tokushima Gam. 69-93

B3 League top team - Gambarous (22-4) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed fifth ranked Hachioji Trains (16-10) in Tokyo 93-69. They outrebounded Tokyo 37-26 including 31 on the defensive glass. Tokushima Gam. players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists. Worth to mention a quality performance of American power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 9 rebounds and Canadian center Chris McLaughlin (208-1992, college: Victoria, agency: Starting 5) who added 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side American swingman Donovan Clay (203-2001, college: Missouri St.) responded with 21 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and his fellow American import forward Taren Sullivan (198-1995, college: Findlay, OH) scored 11 points and 7 assists. Five Tokyo 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. Gambarous have an impressive nine-game winning streak. Tokushima Gam. maintains first position with 22-4 record. Tokyo lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with ten games lost. Tokushima Gam. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tokyo's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tokyo to the arena Tokyo Z.
Top scorers:
Tokyo HT: D.Clay 21+3reb+3ast, K.Steve 11+9reb, T.Sullivan 11+3reb+7ast, T.Keitaro 10+2reb+3ast, Y.Fuki 10+2reb+2ast, K.Takaya 3+3reb+2ast
Tokushima Gam.: M.Chris 18+6reb+4ast, M.Naoto 17+3reb, D.Tavrion 17+9reb+2ast, Y.Tsukamoto 8+2ast, T.Aoyama 8+2reb, K.David 7+6reb+1ast

Tokyo HT - Tokushima Gam. 76-78

Fifth-ranked Hachioji Trains (16-10) used its home court advantage to challenge first ranked Gambarous (22-4) in Tokyo on Saturday. The visitors from Tokushima managed to secure only two-point victory 78-76. However their fans expected much easier game. Tokushima Gam. outrebounded Tokyo 39-28 including 25 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 6 rebounds. Canadian center Chris McLaughlin (208-1992, college: Victoria, agency: Starting 5) contributed with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. American forward Taren Sullivan (198-1995, college: Findlay, OH) replied with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and his fellow American import swingman Donovan Clay (203-2001, college: Missouri St.) added 14 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Tokyo. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Gambarous have an impressive nine-game winning streak. Tokushima Gam. maintains first position with 22-4 record. Tokyo lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with ten games lost. Tokushima Gam. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tokyo's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Tokyo to the arena Tokyo Z.
Top scorers:
Tokyo HT: Y.Fuki 16+1reb+1ast, T.Sullivan 16+7reb+5ast, D.Clay 14+5reb, O.Hiroya 10+3reb, K.Steve 6+8reb, K.Takaya 6+4reb+4ast
Tokushima Gam.: D.Tavrion 26+6reb+2ast, T.Aoyama 14+3reb+2ast, M.Chris 14+16reb, Y.Tsunai 7+2reb+5ast, M.Reita 6+1reb, Y.Tsukamoto 4+2ast

Kanazawa - Saitama 69-90

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Broncos (18-8) crushed 11th ranked Samuraiz (8-16) in Ishikawa 90-69 on Saturday. Saitama dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Samuraiz's 28. The winners were led by American forward Kennedy Meeks (208-1995, college: UNC, agency: Diamond Sports) who scored that evening 17 points and 9 rebounds and the other American import Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) supported him with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Even 12 points and 7 rebounds by American forward KJ Allen (198-2000, college: Portland St.) did not help to save the game for Kanazawa. Dutch forward Jediael Cordilia (206-2002, college: Mt.St.Mary's) added 12 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Broncos have a solid four-game winning streak. Saitama moved-up to second place. Kanazawa lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with 16 games lost. Saitama will meet at home Tachikawa (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Kanazawa will play against Shinagawa (#13) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kanazawa: K.Allen 12+7reb, J.Cordilia 12+5reb, M.Ryuji 11+1reb+1ast, H.Harris 9+5reb+2ast, M.Burton 9+3reb, M.Gashu 4+4reb+2ast
Saitama: M.Kennedy 17+9reb+2ast, B.Trent 15+9reb+1ast, O.Devin 13+9reb+3ast, K.Ryota 9+2reb, Y.Matsushita 7+1reb+2ast, S.Imaike 6+1reb+2ast

Veertien Mie - Gifu 68-82

Very expected game when 15th ranked Veertien Mie (6-20) lost to eighth ranked Swoops (14-12) in Yokkaichi 68-82 on Saturday. Gifu made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. The winners were led by guard Morito Koga (190-1998) who scored that evening 19 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and New Zealand forward Daniel Fotu (203-1999, college: SMC) supported him with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Even a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds by Spanish center David Doblas (208-1981) did not help to save the game for Veertien Mie. American power forward Damonte Dodd (211-1994, college: Maryland) added 11 points and 13 rebounds for lost side. Veertien Mie's coach Masao Kuda rotated eleven players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Gifu moved-up to seventh place. Veertien Mie lost third consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 20 games lost. Gifu will meet at home higher ranked Niigata A. (#5) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Veertien Mie will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Veertien Mie: D.Doblas 21+12reb, S.Takaya 13+3reb+2ast, D.Dodd 11+13reb+1ast, K.Tatsuya 8+2reb+5ast, A.Fuga 5+2reb+2ast, S.Yusei 5
Gifu: M.Koga 19+2reb+2ast, F.Daniel 12+7reb+3ast, Y.Reo 11+1reb+3ast, A.Sambou 9+6reb, P.Blake 8+8reb+1ast, M.Tanaka 7+1reb

Niigata A. - Tokyo Z 85-63

Very predictable result when fifth ranked Albirex (17-11) rolled over 13th ranked Earthfriends (9-19) in Niigata 85-63 on Saturday. Niigata A. outrebounded Tokyo Z 38-21 including a 29-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. Niigata A. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Tokyo Z's players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Niigata A. made 7 blocks. The winners were led by American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and center Mutombo Jean-Pierre (206-2002) supported him with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 6 blocks. Four Albirex players scored in double figures. Even 21 points and 5 rebounds by American power forward Jeremy Combs (201-1995, college: Texas Southern) did not help to save the game for Tokyo Z. His fellow American import forward Malik Benlevi (198-1997, college: Georgia St.) added 11 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Niigata A. maintains fifth position with 17-11 record. Tokyo Z at the other side dropped to the eleventh place with 19 games lost. Niigata A. will meet Gifu (#7) on the road in the next round. Tokyo Z's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tokyo Tokyo.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Z: J.Combs 21+5reb, M.Benlevi 11+6reb+1ast, J.Hillsman 8+4reb, M.Takumi 8+2reb+2ast, F.Ryoga 7+2ast, T.Ide 4+1reb+2ast
Niigata A.: P.Eugene 16+10reb+3ast, M.BJ 14+6reb, M.Jean-Pierre 13+11reb+2ast, M.Nagao 12+2reb+5ast, A.Higuchi 6+1reb+5ast, K.Igarashi 6+1reb

Kanazawa - Saitama 73-81

Not a big story in a game when 11th ranked Samuraiz (8-16) lost to fourth ranked Broncos (18-8) in Ishikawa 73-81 on Sunday. The winners were led by American Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) who scored that evening 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import forward Trent Buttrick (206-1998, college: UMass) supported him with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Four Broncos players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds by Dutch forward Jediael Cordilia (206-2002, college: Mt.St.Mary's) did not help to save the game for Kanazawa. American forward KJ Allen (198-2000, college: Portland St.) added 16 points and 11 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Broncos have a solid four-game winning streak. Saitama moved-up to second place. Kanazawa lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with 16 games lost. Saitama will meet at home Tachikawa (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Kanazawa will play against Shinagawa (#13) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kanazawa: J.Cordilia 17+13reb+1ast, K.Allen 16+11reb+2ast, H.Harris 11+5reb+2ast, I.Ayumu 9+1ast, M.Burton 5+1reb+2ast, M.Ryuji 5+1ast
Saitama: O.Devin 16+9reb+4ast, B.Trent 14+10reb, M.Kennedy 11+5reb, T.Asahi 10+1reb+3ast, K.Ryohei 9+5reb, M.Kataoka 8+1ast

Veertien Mie - Gifu 64-85

Everything went according to plan when eighth ranked Swoops (14-12) outplayed bottom-ranked Veertien Mie (6-20) in Yokkaichi 85-64 on Sunday. Gifu forced 22 Veertien Mie turnovers. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 51.9 percentage. The winners were led by New Zealand forward Daniel Fotu (203-1999, college: SMC) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds and Kodai Takahashi (180-1991) supported him with 17 points and 4 assists. Even 10 points and 4 assists by point guard Fuga Aramoto (171-2002) did not help to save the game for Veertien Mie. Guard Yasuyuki Miyazaki (170-1986) added 10 points for lost side. Veertien Mie's coach Masao Kuda gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Gifu moved-up to seventh place. Veertien Mie lost third consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 20 games lost. Gifu will meet at home higher ranked Niigata A. (#5) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Veertien Mie will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Veertien Mie: M.Yasuyuki 10+1reb+2ast, K.Tatsuya 10+2reb, A.Fuga 10+1reb+4ast, S.Yusei 9+1reb+1ast, K.Takao 5+1reb, S.Takaya 4+3reb+1ast
Gifu: K.Takahashi 17+1reb+4ast, F.Daniel 14+10reb+1ast, Y.Reo 13+1reb+2ast, S.Okubo 9+5reb, G.Jordan 8+3reb+1ast, A.Sambou 8+4reb+1ast

Niigata A. - Tokyo Z 79-102

Worth to mention about the upset in a game between Albirex (17-11) and Earthfriends (9-19), which took place in Niigata. Higher ranked Albirex was outleveled at home by thirteenth ranked Earthfriends 102-79 on Sunday. Tokyo Z outrebounded Niigata A. 37-24 including 26 on the defensive glass. Tokyo Z looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The winners were led by American power forward Jeremy Combs (201-1995, college: Texas Southern) who scored that evening 32 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import guard Jaycee Hillsman (200-1996, college: Illinois St.) supported him with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Even 16 points by American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) did not help to save the game for Niigata A.. Center Mutombo Jean-Pierre (206-2002) added 11 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Four Niigata A. players scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tokyo Z moved-up to eleventh place. Niigata A. at the other side keeps the fifth position with 11 games lost. Tokyo Z's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tokyo Tokyo.
Top scorers:
Niigata A.: E.Phelps 16+4reb, N.Mitsuki 11+1reb+4ast, J.Mutombo 11+8reb, H.Aruma 10+1reb+6ast, I.Kei 6+2reb+2ast, H.Tomonobu 6+3reb+4ast
Tokyo Z: C.Jeremy 32+6reb+2ast, H.Jaycee 22+5reb+1ast, B.Malik 11+8reb+3ast, S.James 10+2reb+1ast, T.Masuko 8+2ast, R.Fujiwara 6+4reb+10ast