B1 League Round 33 of Regular Season

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Eighth defeat of league's leader Tochigi Brex (25-8) against second ranked Jets (25-8) 79-72 was the most important game of the last round. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Chiba Jets made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Chiba Jets made 8 blocks. It was a good game for American forward Nassir Little (199-2000, college: UNC, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. His fellow American import forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) contributed with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks for the winners. Jets' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tongan-New Zealand Isaac Fotu (203-1993, college: Hawaii) answered with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds for Tochigi Brex. Chiba Jets keep a position of league leader, which they share with Hokkaido L. and Tochigi Brex. Tochigi Brex will play next round against Gunma CT trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Chiba Jets will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Saga B. on the road.
The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Sapporo as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (Tochigi Brex) loss. Sapporo edged 5th ranked Thunders at home 87-84. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Thunders. American forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn State) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners and Keisei Tominaga chipped in 25 points. The best for the losing side was American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr. (208-1997, college: Florida) with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Chiba Jets and Tochigi Brex. Gunma CT at the other side dropped to the third place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Sea Horses M. and Ryukyu. Gunma CT will play next round against strong Tochigi Brex trying to get back on the winning streak. Hokkaido L. will try to continue on its current victory against ninth ranked Koshigaya A. at Tokyo.
Leading Velca (28-5) recorded its fifth loss in Kariya on Wednesday night. Visitors were edged by fourth ranked SeaHorses (21-12) 87-85. American players dominated the game. Davante Gardner nailed a double-double by scoring 28 points and 12 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) for the winning side. Stanley Johnson came up with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for Nagasaki in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Sea Horses M. moved-up to third place, which they share with Ryukyu and Gunma CT. Loser Velca still keeps top position with five games lost. Sea Horses M. will meet Ibaraki R. (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Nagasaki will play against Hiroshima D. (#5) and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 33: Alvark Tokyo smashed Akita NH on the road 98-74. Chiba lost to San-en NP on its own court 68-77. Toyama G. unfortunately lost to Nagoya DD in a road game 87-91. Hiroshima D. rolled over Kyoto H. at home 106-79. Yokohama BC crushed Koshigaya A. on the opponent's court 92-63. Osaka E. beat FE Nagoya in a home game 94-89. Shiga L-Stars lost to Ryukyu on the road 74-90. Saga B. managed to outperform Shimane SM on its own court 95-88. Kawasaki recorded a loss to Sendai 89ers in a road game 89-81. Sunrockers Sh. defeated Ibaraki R. at home 77-66.
The most impressive performance of 33th round was 21 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals by Robert Franks of Ibaraki R..



Akita NH - Alvark Tokyo 74-98

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Alvark (22-11) crushed 13th ranked Happinets (6-27) in Akita 98-74 on Wednesday. Alvark Tokyo made 22-of-25 free shots (88.0 percent) during the game. Alvark Tokyo outrebounded Akita NH 36-23 including 23 on the defensive glass. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American Marcus Foster (191-1995, college: Creighton) nailed 24 points and 5 assists for the winning side and Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) accounted for 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Four Alvark players scored in double figures. Australian power forward Keanu Pinder (210-1995, college: Arizona) came up with 23 points and 7 rebounds and New Zealand-German center Yannick Wetzell (206-1996, college: SDSU) added 20 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Akita NH 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. Alvark have a solid series of four victories in a row. Alvark Tokyo maintains fourth place with 22-11 record. Loser Happinets keeps the thirteenth position with 27 games lost. Alvark Tokyo will meet at home Toyama G. (#13) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Akita NH will play against Osaka E. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: F.Marcus 24+3reb+5ast, S.Sebastian 19+9reb+2ast, O.Taiki 12+1reb+6ast, S.Okura 12+1ast, R.Ryan 11+7reb+4ast, F.Chase 6+8reb+3ast
Akita NH: K.Pinder 23+7reb+2ast, Y.Wetzell 20+8reb+3ast, N.Takuya 11+3reb+2ast, T.Alistair 6, O.Eijiro 6+1reb+1ast, N.Haruki 4+3ast

Chiba - San-en NP 68-77

Rather expected game when 11th ranked Chiba (9-24) lost at home to eighth ranked NeoPhoenix (15-18) 77-68 on Wednesday. San-en NP looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American-Nigerian swingman David Nwaba (195-1993, college: Cal Poly) nailed 21 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists for the winning side and American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) accounted for 14 points and 10 rebounds. Nwaba is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. NeoPhoenix's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) came up with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 14 rebounds and the other American import forward Trey Porter (210-1996, college: Nevada, agency: JCK Sports Group) added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Chiba in the defeat. San-en NP maintains eighth place with 15-18 record. Chiba lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the tenth position with 24 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. San-en NP will meet Shiga L-Stars (#11) on the road in the next round. Chiba will play against Sendai 89ers and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: N.David 21+7reb+7ast, M.Yante 14+10reb+3ast, S.Oura 9+4ast, H.Yoshii 9+4reb+1ast, H.Wakugawa 8+8reb+5ast, J.Cameron 5+3reb
Chiba: L.Evans 12+4reb+3ast, T.Porter 12+7reb, D.Pardon 11+14reb+3ast, Y.Otsuka 9+1ast, K.Naoya 8+1reb, O.Yuta 8+3reb+3ast

Chiba Jets - Tochigi Brex 79-72

Eighth defeat of league's leader Tochigi Brex (25-8) against second ranked Jets (25-8) 79-72 was the most important game of the last round. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Chiba Jets made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Chiba Jets made 8 blocks. It was a good game for American forward Nassir Little (199-2000, college: UNC, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. His fellow American import forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) contributed with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks for the winners. Jets' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tongan-New Zealand Isaac Fotu (203-1993, college: Hawaii) answered with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds and American center Grant Jerrett (208-1993, college: Arizona) added 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Tochigi Brex. Chiba Jets keep a position of league leader, which they share with Hokkaido L. and Tochigi Brex. Tochigi Brex will play next round against Gunma CT trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Chiba Jets will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Saga B. on the road.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: H.DJ 19+7reb+4ast, L.Nassir 19+11reb+1ast, W.Yuta 15+7reb+1ast, T.Yuki 9+2reb+8ast, G.Jeff 7+6reb+1ast, R.Kanechika 3+1reb
Tochigi Brex: F.Isaac 24+12reb, G.Jerrett 14+7reb+5ast, G.Edwards 12+7reb+2ast, M.Hiejima 7+3reb+8ast, I.Seiji 5+1reb+4ast, E.Yusuke 5+4reb+1ast

Nagoya DD - Toyama G. 91-87

Very predictable result when second ranked Dolphins (26-7) won against 13th ranked Grouses (9-24) in Nagoya 91-87 on Wednesday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) nailed 15 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 blocks for the winning side and the former international point guard Takumi Saito (172-1995) accounted for 26 points. Syrian-American guard Trey Kell III (193-1996, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) came up with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists and the former international power forward Nyika Williams (203-1987, college: Pacific) added 16 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Toyama G. in the defeat. Four Toyama G. players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Dolphins have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Nagoya DD maintains second place with 26-7 record having just one point less than leader Nagasaki. Toyama G. lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the tenth position with 24 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Nagoya DD will meet Yokohama BC (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Toyama G. will play against Alvark Tokyo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: T.Saito 26+4reb+1ast, H.Aaron 15+8reb+9ast, E.Scott 13+11reb+1ast, W.Alan 9+5reb+2ast, R.Kyle 7+2reb+1ast, T.Nakahigashi 6+2reb+1ast
Toyama G.: T.Kell III 23+7reb+7ast, N.Williams 16+8reb, B.Motum 14+5reb+2ast, Y.Morin 11+9reb+1ast, O.Yuzo 8+3reb+2ast, N.Uto 4+1reb+6ast

Hiroshima D. - Kyoto H. 106-79

Not a big story in a game when 12th ranked Hannaryz (9-24) was outscored by fifth ranked Dragonflies (19-14) in Hiroshima 106-79 on Wednesday. Hiroshima D. shot 66.7 percent from the field. Hiroshima D. outrebounded Kyoto H. 46-23 including a 39-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Hiroshima D. shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 54.2 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. American forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) nailed 24 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winning side and his fellow American import guard Christopher Smith (193-1994, college: Utah St.) accounted for 23 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Dragonflies players scored in double figures. Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) came up with 19 points and forward Satoru Maeda (192-1997) added 20 points respectively for Kyoto H. 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. Hiroshima D. maintains fifth place with 19-14 record. Loser Hannaryz dropped to the tenth position with 24 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Hiroshima D. will meet league's leader Nagasaki on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Kyoto H. will play against Shimane SM (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: E.Dwayne 24+9reb+7ast, S.Christopher 23+7reb+6ast, C.Kofi 16+16reb+1ast, R.Yamazaki 15+2reb+1ast, K.Mitani 13+3reb+1ast, R.Terashima 7+2reb+8ast
Kyoto H.: M.Satoru 20+1reb+1ast, A.Caloiaro 19+1reb+3ast, O.Asato 14+2ast, R.Shibuta 9+2ast, K.Hayato 7+1reb+6ast, C.Jackson 7+7reb+2ast

Hokkaido L. - Gunma CT 87-84

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Sapporo as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (Tochigi Brex) loss. Sapporo edged 5th ranked Thunders at home 87-84. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Thunders. Hokkaido L. players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. American forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn State) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners and international guard Keisei Tominaga (188-2001, college: Nebraska) chipped in 25 points. Four Sapporo players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr. (208-1997, college: Florida) with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) and the other American import guard Terrance Woodbury (203-1987, college: Georgia) scored 17 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Chiba Jets and Tochigi Brex. Gunma CT at the other side dropped to the third place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Sea Horses M. and Ryukyu. Gunma CT will play next round against strong Tochigi Brex trying to get back on the winning streak. Hokkaido L. will try to continue on its current victory against ninth ranked Koshigaya A. at Tokyo.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: T.Keisei 25+1reb+3ast, H.John 20+13reb+3ast, O.Jahlil 11+5reb+4ast, D.Ramos 11+2reb+2ast, G.Sekino 4+2reb+1ast, K.Morizumi 3
Gunma CT: K.Blackshear Jr. 22+8reb+5ast, T.Woodbury 17+4reb+3ast, F.Yuma 12+1ast, T.Naoto 8+5ast, A.Edu 6+4reb, K.Flippin 6+4reb

Koshigaya A. - Yokohama BC 63-92

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when ninth ranked B-Corsairs (12-21) outplayed 8th ranked Alphas (12-21) in Tokyo 92-63 on Wednesday. Yokohama BC looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. French power forward Damien Inglis (206-1995, agency: Octagon Europe) nailed a double-double by scoring 21 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists for the winning side and American Gary Clark (198-1994, college: Cincinnati) accounted for 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Four B-Corsairs players scored in double figures. B-Corsairs' coach felt very confident that he used 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American Jarell Martin (208-1994, college: LSU) came up with 13 points and 8 rebounds and Kazakhstan-American point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) added 10 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Koshigaya A. in the defeat. Yokohama BC moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Koshigaya A. Yokohama BC will meet at home league's second-placed Nagoya DD in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Koshigaya A. will play against the league's leader Hokkaido L. (#1) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: I.Damien 21+11reb+7ast, R.Kiefer 19+3reb+2ast, C.Gary 16+12reb+4ast, A.Seiya 11+2ast, K.Kai 9, T.Kaleb 8+7reb+4ast
Koshigaya A.: M.Shun 15+1reb+2ast, J.Martin 13+8reb+2ast, A.Clemmons 10+7reb+5ast, Y.Kamata 7+3reb, K.Sotto 6+4reb+1ast, J.Parmer 5+1reb

Osaka E. - FE Nagoya 94-89

Everything could happen in Osaka at the game between two tied teams. Both ninth ranked Evessa and 10th ranked Fighting Eagles had identical 13-19 record. This time Evessa used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Nagoya 94-89 on Wednesday night. Osaka E. forced 19 FE Nagoya turnovers. Strangely FE Nagoya outrebounded Osaka E. 42-29 including a 27-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Osaka E. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) nailed 28 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and his fellow American import Ryan Luther (206-1995, college: Arizona) accounted for 28 points and 9 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). American power forward Sean O'Mara (208-1995, college: Xavier) came up with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists and guard Ryuto Yasuoka (188-1995) added 19 points and 4 assists respectively for FE Nagoya in the defeat. Five FE Nagoya players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Osaka E. (14-19) moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Sunrockers Sh. Loser Fighting Eagles keeps the tenth position with 20 games lost. Osaka E. will meet Akita NH (#13) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. FE Nagoya will play against Ryukyu and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: L.Ryan 28+9reb+2ast, B.Matt 28+8reb+4ast, H.Maki 15+2reb+1ast, Y.Aoki 7+1reb+7ast, P.Ray 7+3reb+1ast, R.Goda 4+1reb+1ast
FE Nagoya: S.O'Mara 22+16reb+5ast, Y.Ryuto 19+4reb+4ast, J.Pickett 13+6reb+2ast, S.Tensho 10+5reb+3ast, J.Jones 10+2reb+1ast, S.Takaya 7+2ast

Ryukyu GK - Shiga L-Stars 90-74

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Golden Kings (21-12) beat 11th ranked Lakestars (11-22) in Okinawa 90-74 on Wednesday. Ryukyu made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. Ryukyu outrebounded Shiga L-Stars 43-27 including 29 on the defensive glass. Ryukyu looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) nailed a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and international center Alex Kirk (211-1991, college: N.Mexico, agency: Pensack Sports) accounted for 23 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Five Golden Kings players scored in double figures. Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) came up with 25 points and 5 rebounds and American forward Thomas Wimbush (201-1993, college: Fairmont St., agency: Slash Sports) added 20 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Shiga L-Stars in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Golden Kings have a solid series of three victories in a row. Ryukyu maintains third place with 21-12 record having four points less than leader Nagasaki, which they share with Sea Horses M. and Gunma CT. Shiga L-Stars lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 22 games lost. Ryukyu will meet FE Nagoya (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Shiga L-Stars will play against San-en NP and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: K.Alex 23+3reb+3ast, C.Jack 17+12reb+1ast, L.Victor 17+9reb+1ast, D.Damyean 12+5reb+2ast, R.Kishimoto 10+1reb+4ast, M.Waki 6+5reb+3ast
Shiga L-Stars: Z.Auguste 25+5reb+2ast, T.Wimbush 20+5reb+3ast, R.Kriener 9+6reb, N.Yosei 6+3reb, Y.AC 4+2reb+9ast, D.Nomoto 3+1reb

Saga B. - Shimane SM 95-88

Everything could happen in Saga at the game between two tied teams. Both sixth ranked Ballooners and 7th ranked Magic had identical 17-15 record. This time Ballooners used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Shimane 95-88 on Wednesday night. Saga B. made 24-of-28 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. American power forward Tanner Groves (208-1999, college: Oklahoma) nailed a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) accounted for 16 points and 8 assists. Ballooners' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) came up with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds and American forward James McAdoo (206-1993, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) added 20 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Shimane SM in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Ballooners have a solid series of three victories in a row. Saga B. maintains sixth place with 18-15 record. Shimane SM lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 16 games lost. Saga B. will meet at home higher ranked Chiba Jets (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Shimane SM will play against Kyoto H. (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: G.Tanner 26+14reb+2ast, T.Sumida 17+1reb+5ast, D.David 16+4reb+8ast, S.Uchio 16+3reb+3ast, R.Abe 8+1reb+5ast, R.Todoroki 7+3reb+4ast
Shimane SM: J.McAdoo 20+7reb+3ast, N.Kay 16+11reb+3ast, N.Taichi 11+3ast, S.Anthony 11+2reb, O.Yuta 10+4reb+5ast, I.Fumiya 9+3reb+2ast

Sea Horses M. - Nagasaki 87-85

Leading Velca (28-5) recorded its fifth loss in Kariya on Wednesday night. Visitors were edged by fourth ranked SeaHorses (21-12) 87-85. Sea Horses M. made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. Sea Horses M. outrebounded Nagasaki 42-31 including a 35-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. American players dominated the game. Power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) nailed a double-double by scoring 28 points and 12 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) for the winning side and forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) accounted for 21 points and 9 rebounds. Stanley Johnson (201-1996, college: Arizona) came up with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston) added 25 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Nagasaki in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Sea Horses M. moved-up to third place, which they share with Ryukyu and Gunma CT. Loser Velca still keeps top position with five games lost. Sea Horses M. will meet Ibaraki R. (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Nagasaki will play against Hiroshima D. (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: G.Davante 28+12reb+1ast, L.Jake 21+9reb+2ast, Y.Kubota 13+3reb+6ast, S.Ryogo 7+1ast, K.Thomas 7+7reb+2ast, S.Nagano 4+2reb+2ast
Nagasaki: J.Brantley 25+7reb+3ast, S.Johnson 25+8reb+6ast, Y.Baba 15+4reb+3ast, H.Lee 8+2reb+4ast, H.Yamaguchi 6+4reb, H.Kenshin 6

Sendai 89ers - Kawasaki BT 89-81

Very predictable result when sixth ranked 89ers (20-13) won against 12th ranked Brave Thunders (8-25) in Sendai 89-81 on Wednesday. American guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) nailed 32 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) accounted for 17 points and 6 rebounds. Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) came up with 26 points and 7 rebounds and point guard Shota Tsuyama (180-1996) added 17 points respectively for Kawasaki in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. 89ers have a solid series of three victories in a row. Sendai 89ers maintains sixth place with 20-13 record. Loser Brave Thunders keeps the twelfth position with 25 games lost. Sendai 89ers will meet at home Chiba (#11) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Kawasaki will play against Sunrockers Sh. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: C.Jarrett 32+8reb+3ast, B.Nathan 17+6reb+3ast, E.Sergio 9+5reb+2ast, Y.Sugiura 8+2reb, T.Boubacar 6+5reb+3ast, S.Funyu 5+2reb+1ast
Kawasaki BT: R.Allen 26+7reb+3ast, T.Shota 17+2ast, I.Ryo 6+2reb, D.Ristic 6+7reb+2ast, N.Kengo 6, S.Ryusei 5+2reb+7ast

Sunrockers Sh. - Ibaraki R. 77-66

Not a big story in a game when 10th ranked Robots (9-24) lost to seventh ranked SunRockers (14-19) in Tokyo 66-77 on Wednesday. Sunrockers Sh. looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) nailed a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and American-Qatari forward Donte Grantham (203-1995, college: Clemson) accounted for 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Four SunRockers players scored in double figures. American forward Robert Franks (205-1996, college: WSU) came up with 21 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and the other American import Eric Jacobsen (208-1994, college: Arizona St.) added 8 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Ibaraki R. in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. SunRockers have a solid series of three victories in a row. Sunrockers Sh. maintains seventh place with 14-19 record, which they share with Osaka E. Ibaraki R. lost third consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with 24 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Sunrockers Sh. will meet Kawasaki (#12) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Ibaraki R. will play against Sea Horses M. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sunrockers Sh.: H.Josh 16+12reb+2ast, G.Donte 16+10reb+4ast, L.Vendrame 14+1reb+4ast, D.Tanaka 13+6ast, N.Reiya 5+1reb+1ast, R.Andrew 4+4reb+2ast
Ibaraki R.: R.Franks 21+6reb+4ast, H.Noboru 12+4reb+2ast, T.Cook 9+5reb+3ast, H.Komasawa 9+5reb+1ast, E.Jacobsen 8+9reb+2ast, N.Kohei 3