B1 League Round 32 (Regular Season): Hokkaido L. lose to Tochigi Brex

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise took place in Tochigi where host Tochigi Brex (25-7) edged league's leader Sapporo (24-8) 108-106 on Sunday evening. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Tochigi Brex looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) who scored 38 points (!!!) and 5 assists. Tongan-New Zealand Isaac Fotu (203-1993, college: Hawaii) chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds. American forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 14 rebounds for the guests. Sapporo's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Nagoya DD. Hokkaido L. at the other side dropped to the second place with eight games lost. They share the position with Chiba Jets. They were replaced at the leadership position by Nagasaki. Hokkaido L. will play next round against Gunma CT trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Tochigi Brex will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Chiba Jets on the road.
Top ranked Velca (28-4) recorded its fourth loss in Hamamatsu. Visitors were defeated by ninth ranked NeoPhoenix (14-18) 95-87. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Velca. American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Ryusei Sasaki contributed with 25 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winners. South Korean swingman Hyunjung Lee (201-2000, college: Davidson) replied with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds for Nagasaki. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. San-en NP moved-up to eighth place. Nagasaki at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. San-en NP will play against Chiba (#11) on the road in the next round. Nagasaki will play against Sea Horses M. (#4) in Kariya and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Chiba between Golden Kings and Jets. Fourth ranked Golden Kings (20-12) got a very close victory on the road over one of their biggest challengers Jets (24-8). Golden Kings managed to escape with a 2-point win 65-63 on Sunday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Victor Law who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds. Nassir Little responded with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Ryukyu moved-up to third place, which they share with Sea Horses M. Loser Jets dropped to the second position with eight games lost. They share it with Hokkaido L.. Ryukyu will meet at home Shiga L-Stars (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Chiba Jets will play against the league's leader Tochigi Brex (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 32 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Kawasaki was crushed by Akita NH in a road game 97-77. Chiba was beaten by Saga B. at home 73-79. Sea Horses M. lost to Nagoya DD on the opponent's court 62-77. Gunma CT managed to outperform Shiga L-Stars in a home game 92-76. Koshigaya A. managed to beat Ibaraki R. on the road 88-81. Kyoto H. defeated Yokohama BC on its own court 82-71. Hiroshima D. beat FE Nagoya in a road game 77-74. Osaka E. lost to Alvark Tokyo at home 88-105. Sendai 89ers managed to outperform Shimane SM on the opponent's court 83-78. Toyama G. recorded a loss to Sunrockers Sh. in a home game 79-89.



Akita NH - Kawasaki BT 97-77

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Akita where 12th ranked Brave Thunders (8-24) were crushed by thirteenth ranked Happinets (6-26) 97-77 on Sunday. Akita NH made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Australian power forward Keanu Pinder (210-1995, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 5 rebounds and point guard Takuya Nakayama (182-1994) who added 16 points during the contest. Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 19 points and 6 rebounds and Serbian center Dusan Ristic (213-1995, college: Arizona) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Akita NH maintains thirteenth position with 6-26 record. Loser Brave Thunders keeps the twelfth place with 24 games lost. Akita NH will meet at home higher ranked Alvark Tokyo (#4) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Kawasaki will play against Sendai 89ers (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: R.Allen 19+6reb+1ast, D.Ristic 14+6reb+2ast, I.Ryo 11+2reb, E.Terry 7+4reb, Y.Jaheru 5+1reb, N.Kengo 5+3reb+1ast
Akita NH: P.Keanu 26+5reb+1ast, T.Nakayama 16+3reb+3ast, W.Yannick 10+5reb+1ast, T.Motoda 9+4reb, M.Jamel 7+4reb+1ast, H.Naito 7+1reb+4ast

Chiba - Saga B. 73-79

No shocking result in a game when seventh ranked Ballooners (17-15) defeated on the road 11th ranked Chiba (9-23) 79-73 on Sunday. Saga B. made 23-of-27 free shots (85.2 percent) during the game. Strangely Chiba outrebounded Saga B. 40-26 including 16 on the offensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Taiki Sumida (182-1999) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 4 assists and American David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) who added 19 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Ballooners players scored in double figures. Canadian-South Sudanese Marial Shayok (196-1995, college: Iowa St., agency: Diamond Sports) responded with 22 points and 6 rebounds and American center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) scored 9 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Chiba's coach let to play eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. 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 meet at home Shimane SM (#7) in the next round. Chiba will play against San-en NP and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba: M.Shayok 22+6reb+2ast, T.Porter 12+8reb+1ast, R.Maeda 11+6reb+5ast, D.Pardon 9+9reb+4ast, K.Naoya 8+1reb, L.Evans 6+7reb+2ast
Saga B.: T.Sumida 21+4reb+4ast, D.David 19+6reb+2ast, G.Tanner 18+5reb, G.Reynaldo 16+5reb+1ast, R.Abe 3+4reb+1ast, R.Todoroki 2+2ast

Chiba Jets - Ryukyu GK 63-65

A very close game took place in Chiba between Golden Kings and Jets. Fourth ranked Golden Kings (20-12) got a very close victory on the road over one of their biggest challengers Jets (24-8). Golden Kings managed to escape with a 2-point win 65-63 on Sunday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds and international center Alex Kirk (211-1991, college: N.Mexico, agency: Pensack Sports) who added 13 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. American forward Nassir Little (199-2000, college: UNC, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 16 points and 9 rebounds and his fellow American import forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Ryukyu moved-up to third place, which they share with Sea Horses M. Loser Jets dropped to the second position with eight games lost. They share it with Hokkaido L.. Ryukyu will meet at home Shiga L-Stars (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Chiba Jets will play against the league's leader Tochigi Brex (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: N.Little 16+9reb+1ast, Y.Togashi 11+2reb+5ast, D.Hogg 10+10reb+2ast, J.Gibbs 9+1reb, H.Shuta 8+2reb+2ast, Y.Watanabe 4+3reb+2ast
Ryukyu GK: L.Victor 24+11reb+3ast, K.Alex 13+9reb, R.Kishimoto 9+1reb+2ast, C.Jack 8+6reb+3ast, D.Damyean 5+6reb+1ast, M.Waki 2+1reb

Nagoya DD - Sea Horses M. 77-62

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 3rd ranked SeaHorses' (20-12) road loss to second ranked Dolphins (25-7) 62-77 on Sunday. Nagoya DD outrebounded Sea Horses M. 39-28 including a 32-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Nagoya DD looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 25 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists and the former international point guard Takumi Saito (172-1995) who added 12 points and 7 assists during the contest. American forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds and the former international forward Yudai Nishida (190-1999) scored 10 points and 4 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Dolphins have a solid four-game winning streak. 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 Toyama G. (#13) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Sea Horses M. will play against the league's leader Nagasaki (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: J.Layman 18+6reb, D.Gardner 12+2reb+2ast, N.Yudai 10+3reb+4ast, K.Yoshiaki 8+2ast, T.Kennedy 5+6reb, N.Satoshi 4+4ast
Nagoya DD: H.Aaron 25+10reb+8ast, T.Saito 12+1reb+7ast, E.Scott 12+4reb+2ast, T.Harimoto 9+3reb, W.Alan 7+8reb+1ast, R.Kyle 6+5reb

Gunma CT - Shiga L-Stars 92-76

Very predictable result in Gunma where fifth ranked Thunders (21-11) beat 11th ranked Lakestars (11-21) 92-76 on Sunday. Gunma CT made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 51.9 percentage. Gunma CT looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Gunma CT made 8 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 6 assists and the other American import guard Terrance Woodbury (203-1987, college: Georgia) who added 18 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Woodbury is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 21 points and 7 rebounds and American-German power forward Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Thunders have a solid three-game winning streak. 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 higher ranked Hokkaido L. (#3) in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Shiga L-Stars will play against Ryukyu (#3) in Okinawa and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shiga L-Stars: Z.Auguste 21+7reb+1ast, R.Kriener 16+5reb+3ast, O.Taiki 14+5reb+2ast, T.Wimbush 8+2reb, Y.AC 7+3reb+5ast, S.Ehara 5+1ast
Gunma CT: M.Trey 22+4reb+6ast, W.Terrance 18+5reb+2ast, B.Kerry 17+3reb, E.AJ 8+9reb+1ast, Y.Fujii 8+3ast, N.Takuto 7+4reb+4ast

Ibaraki R. - Koshigaya A. 81-88

Not a big story in a game in Mito where 10th ranked Robots (9-23) were defeated by eighth ranked Alphas (12-20) 88-81 on Sunday. Koshigaya A. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American Jarell Martin (208-1994, college: LSU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 17 points and 14 rebounds and point guard Shun Matsuyama (175-1996) who added 26 points and 4 assists during the contest. Five Alphas players scored in double figures. American Tyler Cook (206-1997, college: Iowa) responded with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and point guard Noboru Hasegawa (174-1996) scored 23 points. Koshigaya A. maintains eighth position with 12-20 record. Loser Robots keeps the tenth place with 23 games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Koshigaya A. will meet at home Yokohama BC (#9) in the next round. Ibaraki R. will play against Sunrockers Sh. in Tokyo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: T.Cook 24+11reb+4ast, H.Noboru 23+2reb+3ast, J.Yang 13+5reb+1ast, N.Kohei 8+2ast, H.Komasawa 4+1reb+3ast, H.Kotaro 4+1reb+1ast
Koshigaya A.: S.Matsuyama 26+3reb+4ast, M.Jarell 17+14reb+2ast, C.Anthony 14+5reb+4ast, J.Diawara 13+3reb+3ast, T.Oba 10+1reb, K.Yuya 3+3ast

Kyoto H. - Yokohama BC 82-71

There was a surprise result in Kyoto where thirteenth ranked Hannaryz (9-23) won against higher ranked B-Corsairs (11-21) 82-71 on Sunday. Kyoto H. looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists and point guard Asato Ogawa (176-2001) who added 14 points and 5 assists during the contest. Four Hannaryz players scored in double figures. French power forward Damien Inglis (206-1995, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with 24 points and 7 rebounds and Filipino guard Kiefer Ravena (183-1993) scored 19 points and 8 assists. 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 higher ranked Hiroshima D. (#5) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Yokohama BC will play against Koshigaya A. (#8) in Tokyo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: D.Inglis 24+7reb+3ast, K.Ravena 19+2reb+8ast, K.Tarczewski 9+9reb+2ast, K.King 5+2ast, G.Clark 5+5reb, S.Ando 3+2reb+1ast
Kyoto H.: C.Angelo 22+10reb+6ast, S.Maeda 17+1reb+1ast, A.Ogawa 14+2reb+5ast, H.Jordan 13+4reb+1ast, H.Kawashima 5+1reb+2ast, R.Watanabe 4+7reb+1ast

FE Nagoya - Hiroshima D. 74-77

There was no surprise in Nagoya where 10th ranked Fighting Eagles (13-19) were edged by sixth ranked Dragonflies (18-14) 77-74 on Sunday. Worth to mention a great performance of Jamaican center Kofi Cockburn (213-1999, college: Illinois) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 9 rebounds and forward Keijiro Mitani (189-2001) who added 18 points and 5 assists during the contest. American power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and the former international guard Narito Namizato (172-1989) scored 15 points and 7 assists. Five FE Nagoya players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Hiroshima D. moved-up to fifth place. Loser Fighting Eagles dropped to the seventh position with 19 games lost. They share it with Sunrockers Sh. and Osaka E.. Hiroshima D. will meet at home Kyoto H. (#12) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. FE Nagoya will play against Osaka E. (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: S.O'Mara 16+10reb+1ast, N.Namizato 15+3reb+7ast, Y.Ryuto 12+5reb+1ast, S.Tyrell 10+3reb+1ast, L.Francis 10+9reb+2ast, J.Pickett 4+5reb+4ast
Hiroshima D.: C.Kofi 22+9reb+3ast, K.Mitani 18+4reb+5ast, S.Christopher 9+8reb+2ast, R.Yamazaki 8+3reb, R.Terashima 7+1reb+1ast, I.Tatsuya 4+4reb+6ast

San-en NP - Nagasaki 95-87

Top ranked Velca (28-4) recorded its fourth loss in Hamamatsu. Visitors were defeated by ninth ranked NeoPhoenix (14-18) 95-87. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Velca. Nagasaki was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. International point guard Ryusei Sasaki (180-1996) contributed with 25 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winners. Four NeoPhoenix players scored in double figures. South Korean swingman Hyunjung Lee (201-2000, college: Davidson) replied with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds and American Stanley Johnson (201-1996, college: Arizona) added 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Nagasaki. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. San-en NP moved-up to eighth place. Nagasaki at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. San-en NP will play against Chiba (#11) on the road in the next round. Nagasaki will play against Sea Horses M. (#4) in Kariya and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: H.Lee 24+11reb+1ast, S.Johnson 20+7reb+4ast, Y.Baba 17+3reb+2ast, K.Kumagai 8+1reb+4ast, J.Brantley 7+3reb+4ast, A.Mitchell 6+4reb+3ast
San-en NP: S.Ryusei 25+1reb+2ast, M.Yante 19+6reb+4ast, N.David 18+5reb+2ast, J.Cameron 13+4reb+1ast, H.Wakugawa 8+6reb+4ast, H.Yoshii 5+4reb

Osaka E. - Alvark Tokyo 88-105

No shocking result in a game in Osaka where fourth ranked Alvark (21-11) defeated 8th ranked Evessa (13-19) 105-88 on Sunday. Alvark Tokyo outrebounded Osaka E. 37-25 including 24 on the defensive glass. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) who helped to win the game recording 6 points, 20 rebounds and 9 assists and American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) who added 21 points and 9 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) during the contest. American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) responded with 33 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds and his fellow American import Ryan Luther (206-1995, college: Arizona) scored 18 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Evessa's coach let to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Alvark have a solid three-game winning streak. Alvark Tokyo maintains fourth position with 21-11 record, which they share with Gunma CT. Loser Evessa dropped to the seventh place with 19 games lost. They share the position with FE Nagoya and Sunrockers Sh.. Alvark Tokyo will meet Akita NH (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Osaka E. will play against FE Nagoya (#10) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: M.Bonds 33+8reb+3ast, R.Luther 18+8reb+7ast, A.Yasunori 10+2reb+6ast, R.Parks 10+3reb+4ast, S.Tatsuya 5+2reb+1ast, M.Hayato 4+1reb+1ast
Alvark Tokyo: F.Marcus 25+3reb+3ast, S.Sebastian 24+3reb+1ast, F.Chase 21+9reb+2ast, Z.Baranski 10+1reb+1ast, T.Kai 10+7ast, O.Taiki 9+1reb+3ast

Shimane SM - Sendai 89ers 78-83

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) 83-78 on Sunday. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) who helped to win the game recording 30 points and 5 rebounds and Lebanese guard Sergio El Darwich (194-1996, college: Maine) who added 17 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists during the contest. 89ers' coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. The former international guard Yuta Okada (189-1998) responded with 31 points and 4 assists and Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Sendai 89ers maintains sixth position with 19-13 record which they share with defeated Shimane SM. Shimane SM lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Saga B.. Sendai 89ers will meet at home Kawasaki (#12) in the next round where they are favorite. Shimane SM will play against Saga B. (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shimane SM: O.Yuta 31+2reb+4ast, I.Fumiya 17+1reb+5ast, C.Clarke 12+5reb+1ast, N.Kay 10+11reb+4ast, J.McAdoo 6+7reb+2ast, N.Taichi 2+1reb
Sendai 89ers: C.Jarrett 30+5reb+3ast, E.Sergio 17+8reb+7ast, B.Nathan 15+7reb+1ast, S.Watanabe 11+1reb+2ast, T.Boubacar 4+9reb, Y.Sugiura 3+1reb

Toyama G. - Sunrockers Sh. 79-89

Very predictable result in Toyama where seventh ranked SunRockers (13-19) beat 12th ranked Grouses (9-23) 89-79 on Sunday. Sunrockers Sh. dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Grouses's 26 and made 20-of-23 free shots (87.0 percent) during the game. Sunrockers Sh. outrebounded Toyama G. 39-21 including a 18-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. Sunrockers Sh. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of international forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 13 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists and American-Qatari forward Donte Grantham (203-1995, college: Clemson) who added 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Syrian-American guard Trey Kell III (193-1996, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) responded with 29 points and 5 assists (was perfect 15-for-15 from the free throw line !!!) and Australian forward Brock Motum (208-1990, college: WSU, agency: Slash Sports) scored 22 points. Five Sunrockers Sh. and four Toyama G. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Sunrockers Sh. maintains seventh position 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 place with 23 games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Sunrockers Sh. will meet at home Ibaraki R. (#10) in the next round. Toyama G. will play against the league's second-placed Nagoya DD and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: T.Kell III 29+4reb+5ast, B.Motum 22+1reb+1ast, Y.Morin 11+5reb+1ast, N.Uto 10+2reb+3ast, O.Yuzo 3+3reb+3ast, T.Haruaki 2+1ast
Sunrockers Sh.: G.Donte 20+6reb+4ast, D.Tanaka 16+2reb+5ast, H.Josh 13+14reb+4ast, J.Harper 11+1reb+3ast, L.Vendrame 11+1reb+3ast, K.Toyoshige 7+3reb

Tochigi Brex - Hokkaido L. 108-106

The biggest surprise took place in Tochigi where host Tochigi Brex (25-7) edged league's leader Sapporo (24-8) 108-106 on Sunday evening. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Tochigi Brex looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) who scored 38 points (!!!) and 5 assists. Tongan-New Zealand Isaac Fotu (203-1993, college: Hawaii) chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds. American forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 14 rebounds and Nigerian-American center Jahlil Okafor (211-1995, college: Duke) added 20 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Sapporo's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Nagoya DD. Hokkaido L. at the other side dropped to the second place with eight games lost. They share the position with Chiba Jets. They were replaced at the leadership position by Nagasaki. Hokkaido L. will play next round against Gunma CT trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Tochigi Brex will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Chiba Jets on the road.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: K.Tominaga 26+2reb+2ast, J.Okafor 20+9reb+2ast, K.Jones 18+14reb+2ast, R.Dwight 11+6reb+3ast, J.Harrar 10+7reb+2ast, I.Shuto 9+3reb+4ast
Tochigi Brex: N.DJ 38+3reb+5ast, J.Grant 19+5reb+3ast, E.Gavin 17+9reb+2ast, I.Fotu 17+9reb+3ast, H.Makoto 11+5reb+6ast, A.Ogawa 4+3reb+2ast