B1 League Round 31 (Regular Season): Hokkaido L. climb to the leadership position

The round was exceptionally exciting as three games ended with a tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for first-ranked Sapporo as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Sapporo defeated their biggest opponent Tochigi Brex on the road 95-77. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Hokkaido L. dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Tochigi Brex's 34. They outrebounded Tochigi Brex 43-31 including a 31-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Hokkaido L. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. It was a great evening for forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn State) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 11 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. Forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) helped adding 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). At the losing side guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) responded with 29 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Chiba Jets. Defending champion Tochigi Brex still keeps top place with seven games lost. They share the position with Nagoya DD. Tochigi Brex will play next round against strong Hokkaido L. trying to get back on the winning streak. Hokkaido L. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Jets (24-8) against fourth ranked Golden Kings (20-12) on Saturday night. Host Jets were crushed by Golden Kings in Chiba 92-61. Americans were the main players on the court also this time. It was an exceptional evening for forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) who led the winners and scored 13 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Damyean Dotson accounted for 17 points and 5 rebounds. Forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) came up with 9 points and 10 rebounds for Chiba Jets in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Ryukyu moved-up to third place, which they share with Sea Horses M. Chiba Jets at the other side dropped to the second position with eight games lost. They share it with Hokkaido L.. Ryukyu will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Chiba Jets will play at home against Ryukyu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Nagoya. Second ranked host Dolphins (25-7) defeated 3rd placed SeaHorses (20-12) 83-78. Aaron Henry fired 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Davante Gardner produced 21 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!) for lost side. 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 Tochigi Brex. Loser SeaHorses keeps the third place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Ryukyu. Nagoya DD will meet at home Sea Horses M. (#4) in the next round. Sea Horses M. will have a break next round.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 31: Kawasaki won against Akita NH on the opponent's court 98-89. Chiba unfortunately lost to Saga B. in a home game 73-85. Shiga L-Stars recorded a loss to Gunma CT on the road 76-92. Ibaraki R. was defeated by Koshigaya A. on its own court 81-83. Yokohama BC was beaten by Kyoto H. in a road game 76-63. FE Nagoya won against Hiroshima D. at home 91-89. Nagasaki outscored San-en NP on the opponent's court 95-70. Osaka E. recorded a loss to Alvark Tokyo in a home game 76-91. Sendai 89ers defeated Shimane SM on the road 82-76. Toyama G. was beaten by Sunrockers Sh. on its own court 75-78.



Akita NH - Kawasaki BT 89-98

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 13th ranked Happinets' (6-26) home loss to twelfth ranked Brave Thunders (8-24) 89-98 on Saturday. Kawasaki looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Serbian center Dusan Ristic (213-1995, college: Arizona) fired a double-double by scoring 16 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. American center Emanuel Terry (206-1996, college: LMU) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds. Australian power forward Keanu Pinder (210-1995, college: Arizona) produced 27 points and New Zealand-German center Yannick Wetzell (206-1996, college: SDSU) added 16 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Kawasaki maintains twelfth place with 8-24 record. Akita NH lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with 26 games lost. Kawasaki will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Akita NH will play against Kawasaki (#12) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: K.Pinder 27+2reb+1ast, Y.Wetzell 16+10reb+3ast, N.Takuya 15+5reb+7ast, M.Taiyo 12+3reb+1ast, J.McLean 7+6reb+2ast, K.Tsubasa 4+2reb+3ast
Kawasaki BT: S.Tsuyama 19+1ast, R.Dusan 16+15reb+6ast, J.Omar 14+4reb+5ast, T.Emanuel 12+12reb+2ast, R.Iida 11, A.Rosco 9+2reb+1ast

Chiba - Saga B. 73-85

Rather predictable result when seventh ranked Ballooners (17-15) defeated on the road 11th ranked Chiba (9-23) 85-73 on Saturday. Saga B. made 22-of-24 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game. They also forced 23 Chiba turnovers. Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) fired 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American power forward Tanner Groves (208-1999, college: Oklahoma) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds. Four Ballooners players scored in double figures. Canadian-South Sudanese Marial Shayok (196-1995, college: Iowa St., agency: Diamond Sports) produced 22 points and 6 rebounds (perfect behind the arc making all six shots !!!) and American center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) added 11 points and 14 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Saga B. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Shimane SM. Newly promoted Chiba dropped to the tenth position with 23 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Saga B. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Chiba will play against Saga B. (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Chiba: M.Shayok 22+6reb+1ast, D.Pardon 11+14reb+3ast, R.Maeda 11+1reb+1ast, T.Porter 8+6reb+1ast, K.Naoya 5+1reb, K.Kotetsu 5+4reb+8ast
Saga B.: G.Tanner 17+5reb+2ast, T.Sumida 17+2reb+1ast, G.Reynaldo 16+8reb+4ast, R.Todoroki 10+2ast, R.Inoue 7+1reb+1ast, A.Kishida 4

Chiba Jets - Ryukyu GK 61-92

Very important is a home loss of third ranked Jets (24-8) against fourth ranked Golden Kings (20-12) on Saturday night. Host Jets were crushed by Golden Kings in Chiba 92-61. Ryukyu players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Americans were the main players on the court also this time. It was an exceptional evening for forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) who led the winners and scored 13 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Swingman Damyean Dotson (196-1994, college: Houston) accounted for 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Four Golden Kings players scored in double figures. Forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) came up with 9 points and 10 rebounds and forward Nassir Little (199-2000, college: UNC, agency: Pensack Sports) added 9 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Chiba Jets in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Ryukyu moved-up to third place, which they share with Sea Horses M. Chiba Jets at the other side dropped to the second position with eight games lost. They share it with Hokkaido L.. Ryukyu will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Chiba Jets will play at home against Ryukyu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: Y.Togashi 14+1reb+2ast, D.Hogg 9+10reb+3ast, Y.Watanabe 9+1reb+1ast, N.Little 9+9reb, S.Riku 7+1reb+1ast, H.Shuta 5+2reb
Ryukyu GK: D.Damyean 17+5reb+1ast, R.Kishimoto 15+2reb+2ast, K.Alex 14+7reb+2ast, L.Victor 13+5reb+6ast, Y.Matsuwaki 9+3reb, C.Jack 8+10reb+1ast

Nagoya DD - Sea Horses M. 83-78

The game between Top Four teams took place in Nagoya. Second ranked host Dolphins (25-7) defeated 3rd placed SeaHorses (20-12) 83-78. Nagoya DD looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) fired 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Guard Taito Nakahigashi (191-1992) chipped in 16 points. Four Dolphins players scored in double figures. American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) produced 21 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!) and the former international forward Yudai Nishida (190-1999) added 14 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. 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 Tochigi Brex. Loser SeaHorses keeps the third place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Ryukyu. Nagoya DD will meet at home Sea Horses M. (#4) in the next round. Sea Horses M. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: D.Gardner 21+9reb+5ast, N.Yudai 14+4ast, A.White 9+4reb+3ast, T.Kennedy 9+3reb, K.Yoshiaki 8+2reb+4ast, N.Satoshi 4
Nagoya DD: H.Aaron 21+5reb+4ast, T.Nakahigashi 16+3reb+1ast, M.Isaiah 12+2reb+2ast, T.Saito 11+3reb+5ast, I.Keita 7+4reb+4ast, E.Scott 7+8reb+3ast

Gunma CT - Shiga L-Stars 92-76

Not a big story in a game in Gunma where 11th ranked Lakestars (11-21) were defeated by fifth ranked Thunders (21-11) 92-76 on Saturday. Gunma CT outrebounded Shiga L-Stars 42-22 including a 31-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) fired 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Filipino-British power forward AJ Edu (208-2000, college: Toledo) chipped in 8 points and 13 rebounds. Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) produced 19 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and American-German power forward Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa, agency: Pensack Sports) added 22 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Thunders have a solid series of three victories in a row. Gunma CT moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Shiga L-Stars lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth position with 21 games lost. They share it with Yokohama BC. Gunma CT will meet at home Shiga L-Stars (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Shiga L-Stars will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Shiga L-Stars: R.Kriener 22+5reb+1ast, Z.Auguste 19+9reb+5ast, T.Wimbush 14+2reb+2ast, Y.AC 5+1ast, O.Taiki 3+1reb+2ast, T.Tahara 3+1ast
Gunma CT: K.Hosokawa 17+3reb, N.Tsuji 14+1reb+2ast, B.Kerry 14+8reb+4ast, N.Takuto 14+3reb+2ast, M.Trey 9+1reb+9ast, E.AJ 8+13reb

Ibaraki R. - Koshigaya A. 81-83

Everything went according to plan in Mito where eighth ranked Alphas (12-20) edged 10th ranked Robots (9-23) 83-81 on Saturday. Koshigaya A. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Koshigaya A. made 7 blocks. Kazakhstan-American point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) fired 11 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Guard Takeru Oba (184-1997) chipped in 14 points. American forward Robert Franks (205-1996, college: WSU) produced 25 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import Tyler Cook (206-1997, college: Iowa) added 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Four Ibaraki R. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Koshigaya A. maintains eighth place with 12-20 record. Loser Robots keeps the tenth position with 23 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Koshigaya A. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ibaraki R. will play against Koshigaya A. (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: R.Franks 25+6reb+3ast, T.Cook 18+9reb+4ast, H.Komasawa 13+2reb+3ast, H.Noboru 12+2reb+2ast, E.Jacobsen 4+6reb+3ast, N.Kohei 3+2reb+1ast
Koshigaya A.: T.Oba 14+1reb+2ast, J.Diawara 12+3reb, S.Matsuyama 11+1reb+1ast, C.Anthony 11+9reb+7ast, P.Jeffrey 9+4reb+3ast, M.Jarell 6+7reb+1ast

Kyoto H. - Yokohama BC 76-63

There was an upset in Kyoto where higher ranked B-Corsairs (11-21) were defeated by thirteenth ranked Hannaryz (9-23) 76-63 on Saturday. Kyoto H. forced 20 Yokohama BC turnovers. Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) fired 21 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Filipino guard Kiefer Ravena (183-1993) produced 20 points and 4 assists and American center Kaleb Tarczewski (212-1993, college: Arizona) added 15 points and 7 rebounds 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 3 other teams. Yokohama BC lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 21 games lost. They share it with Shiga L-Stars. Kyoto H. will meet at home higher ranked Yokohama BC (#9) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Yokohama BC will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: K.Ravena 20+2reb+4ast, K.Tarczewski 15+7reb+1ast, D.Inglis 6+12reb+3ast, S.Ando 6+1reb+1ast, K.King 5+1reb, M.Kenta 3+3ast
Kyoto H.: C.Angelo 21+6reb+2ast, H.Jordan 13+3reb+1ast, J.Charles 13+7reb+1ast, H.Kawashima 7+1reb+2ast, A.Ogawa 6+1reb+2ast, S.Maeda 5+1reb+2ast

FE Nagoya - Hiroshima D. 91-89

There was a surprise result in Nagoya where tenth ranked Fighting Eagles (13-19) edged higher ranked Dragonflies (18-14) 91-89 on Saturday. American Jamorko Pickett (206-1997, college: Georgetown) fired 28 points for the winners. His fellow American import power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) chipped in a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds. Jamaican center Kofi Cockburn (213-1999, college: Illinois) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and American forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for lost side. Four Hiroshima D. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. FE Nagoya moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Sunrockers Sh. and Osaka E. Loser Dragonflies dropped to the fifth position with 14 games lost. FE Nagoya will meet at home higher ranked Hiroshima D. (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hiroshima D. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: M.Keijiro 22+5reb, K.Cockburn 18+10reb+2ast, C.Smith 15+2reb+1ast, D.Evans 14+9reb+6ast, K.Hareyama 9, K.Toshiki 5+1reb+2ast
FE Nagoya: P.Jamorko 28+2reb, O.Sean 18+11reb+1ast, F.Lopez 12+4reb, R.Yasuoka 9+1reb+6ast, T.Sasayama 6+1reb+3ast, T.Sudo 6+2reb

San-en NP - Nagasaki 70-95

Very expected game in Hamamatsu where 9th ranked NeoPhoenix (14-18) was crushed by first ranked Velca (28-4) 95-70 on Saturday. Nagasaki forced 21 San-en NP turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American Stanley Johnson (201-1996, college: Arizona) fired 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. International Yudai Baba (196-1995) chipped in 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Velca players scored in double figures. American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) produced 17 points and 7 rebounds and American-Nigerian swingman David Nwaba (195-1993, college: Cal Poly) added 16 points respectively for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Velca have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Nagasaki maintains first place with 28-4 record. Loser NeoPhoenix dropped to the eighth position with 18 games lost. Nagasaki will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. San-en NP will play against the league's leader Nagasaki (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: Y.Maten 17+7reb+2ast, D.Nwaba 16+4reb+1ast, T.Nephawe 11+4reb, T.Kazuma 9+1reb+2ast, C.Jackson 4+9reb+1ast, R.Sasaki 3+3ast
Nagasaki: L.Hyunjung 19+3reb+1ast, J.Stanley 19+9reb+4ast, B.Yudai 18+6reb+4ast, B.Jarrell 11+5reb+3ast, M.Akil 9+7reb+2ast, K.Koya 7+1reb

Osaka E. - Alvark Tokyo 76-91

Rather predictable result in Osaka where fourth ranked Alvark (21-11) defeated 8th ranked Evessa (13-19) 91-76 on Saturday. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Alvark Tokyo made 10 blocks. Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) fired 24 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. The former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Ukrainian center Volodymyr Gerun (208-1994, college: Portland) produced 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and American Ryan Luther (206-1995, college: Arizona) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Alvark Tokyo and four Osaka E. players scored in double figures. Evessa's coach rotated twelve players and allowed the starting five to rest. Alvark have a solid series of three victories in a row. Alvark Tokyo maintains fourth place with 21-11 record, which they share with Gunma CT. Loser Evessa dropped to the seventh position with 19 games lost. They share it with FE Nagoya and Sunrockers Sh.. Alvark Tokyo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Osaka E. will play against Alvark Tokyo (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: V.Gerun 16+7reb+4ast, R.Luther 16+5reb+2ast, R.Parks 14+5reb+3ast, A.Yasunori 13+2ast, M.Bonds 6+7reb+1ast, J.Takeuchi 4+1reb
Alvark Tokyo: S.Sebastian 24+8reb+1ast, F.Marcus 17+7reb+3ast, R.Ryan 15+10reb+5ast, T.Kai 12+2reb+11ast, F.Chase 10+7reb+1ast, K.Fukuzawa 8+1reb+1ast

Shimane SM - Sendai 89ers 76-82

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Shimane where 5th ranked Magic (17-15) was defeated by sixth ranked 89ers (19-13) 82-76 on Saturday. American guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) fired 40 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds for the winners. Lebanese guard Sergio El Darwich (194-1996, college: Maine) chipped in 9 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. 89ers' coach used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. The former international guard Yuta Okada (189-1998) produced 24 points and 6 assists and American forward James McAdoo (206-1993, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) added 9 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Sendai 89ers maintains sixth place with 19-13 record which they share with defeated Shimane SM. Shimane SM lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with 15 games lost. They share it with Saga B.. Sendai 89ers will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Shimane SM will play against Sendai 89ers (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shimane SM: O.Yuta 24+3reb+6ast, C.Clarke 17+5reb+1ast, N.Kay 12+10reb+2ast, J.McAdoo 9+11reb+5ast, I.Fumiya 7+1reb, S.Anthony 4+3reb+1ast
Sendai 89ers: C.Jarrett 40+6reb+2ast, B.Nathan 12+5reb+1ast, S.Funyu 10+3reb, E.Sergio 9+10reb+7ast, T.Boubacar 6+8reb+1ast, Y.Araya 2+1reb

Toyama G. - Sunrockers Sh. 75-78

Everything went according to plan in Toyama where seventh ranked SunRockers (13-19) edged 12th ranked Grouses (9-23) 78-75 on Saturday. Sunrockers Sh. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Sunrockers Sh. made 8 blocks. American-Qatari forward Donte Grantham (203-1995, college: Clemson) fired 23 points for the winners (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) chipped in 8 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Syrian-American guard Trey Kell III (193-1996, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 29 points and 10 rebounds and Australian forward Brock Motum (208-1990, college: WSU, agency: Slash Sports) added 16 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Sunrockers Sh. maintains seventh place with 13-19 record, which they share with FE Nagoya and Osaka E. Toyama G. lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the tenth position with 23 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Sunrockers Sh. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Toyama G. will play against Sunrockers Sh. (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: T.Kell III 29+10reb+3ast, B.Motum 16+4reb+2ast, Y.Morin 9+2reb, N.Williams 6+6reb, M.Kazuki 4+1reb+2ast, O.Yuzo 4+4reb+1ast
Sunrockers Sh.: G.Donte 23+4reb+2ast, D.Tanaka 11+2reb+4ast, L.Vendrame 10+1reb+1ast, R.Andrew 9+6reb+1ast, H.Josh 8+12reb+4ast, W.Thomas 6+9reb+1ast

Tochigi Brex - Hokkaido L. 77-95

The game had a very big importance for first-ranked Sapporo as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Sapporo defeated their biggest opponent Tochigi Brex on the road 95-77. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Hokkaido L. dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Tochigi Brex's 34. They outrebounded Tochigi Brex 43-31 including a 31-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Hokkaido L. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. It was a great evening for forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn State) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 11 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. Forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) helped adding 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Five Sapporo players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) responded with 29 points and power forward Gavin Edwards (206-1988, college: UConn, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Chiba Jets. Defending champion Tochigi Brex still keeps top place with seven games lost. They share the position with Nagoya DD. Tochigi Brex will play next round against strong Hokkaido L. trying to get back on the winning streak. Hokkaido L. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: D.Newbill 29+4reb, F.Isaac 14+3reb, G.Edwards 11+9reb+2ast, O.Atsuya 9+2reb+2ast, E.Yusuke 6+3reb+1ast, M.Hiejima 4+4reb+11ast
Hokkaido L.: J.Kevin 20+6reb+2ast, T.Keisei 17+4reb+1ast, O.Jahlil 15+6reb+2ast, H.Kikuchi 14+4reb+1ast, D.Ramos 13+5reb+2ast, H.John 11+10reb+8ast