B1 League Round 39 of Regular Season

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise of round 39 in B1 League was guest Sunrockers Sh.'s (16-23) road victory over 7th ranked Koshigaya A. (15-24) 69-62 on Sunday evening. SunRockers made 24-of-29 free shots (82.8 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was international forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) who scored 9 points and 9 rebounds. American center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 10 points and 5 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Filipino-American center Kai Sotto (220-2002) who recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sunrockers Sh. moved-up to seventh place. Koshigaya A. at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 24 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. Koshigaya A. will play on the road against Hiroshima D. (#5) and is hoping to win this game.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Jets (27-12) against eighth ranked NeoPhoenix (20-19) on Sunday night. Visiting Jets were defeated by NeoPhoenix in Hamamatsu 104-94. It was a good game for American-Nigerian swingman David Nwaba (195-1993, college: Cal Poly) who led his team to a victory with 27 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Yante Maten contributed with 21 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winners. American forward Nassir Little (199-2000, college: UNC, agency: Pensack Sports) answered with 46 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds for Chiba Jets. NeoPhoenix have a solid series of four victories in a row. San-en NP maintains eighth place with 20-19 record. Chiba Jets at the other side keep the second position with 12 games lost. They share it with Alvark Tokyo and Hokkaido L.. San-en NP will play against FE Nagoya (#10) on the road in the next round. Chiba Jets will play against Osaka E. (#9) and hope to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Dolphins (30-9) against sixth ranked 89ers (23-16) on Sunday night. Visiting Dolphins were defeated by 89ers in a tough game in Sendai 74-83. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Dolphins. It was a great evening for Jarrett Culver who led his team to a victory scoring 26 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. The best for the losing side was Aaron Henry with 20 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Sendai 89ers moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Hiroshima D. Loser Dolphins keeps the second position with nine games lost. Sendai 89ers will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Nagoya DD will play against Ibaraki R. in Mito and hope to secure a win.

Other games of round 39 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Ibaraki R. defeated Akita NH in Mito 87-86. Chiba was beaten by Ryukyu at home 55-73. Saga B. lost to Alvark Tokyo on the opponent's court 83-96. Gunma CT unfortunately lost to Nagasaki in a home game 72-77. Yokohama BC managed to beat FE Nagoya on the road 87-78. Osaka E. was defeated by Kyoto H. on its own court 79-93. Hiroshima D. beat Shiga L-Stars in a road game 104-89. Shimane SM lost to Sea Horses M. at home 75-79. Hokkaido L. was outscored by Toyama G. on the opponent's court 93-115. Tochigi Brex managed to beat Kawasaki in a home game 104-88.
The best stats of 39th round was 26 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists by DJ Newbill of Tochigi Brex.



Akita NH - Ibaraki R. 86-87

There was no surprise in Akita where 13th ranked Happinets (7-32) were edged by eleventh ranked Robots (12-27) 87-86 on Sunday. Strangely Akita NH outrebounded Ibaraki R. 37-25 including 23 on the defensive glass. They shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 62.5 percentage. Ibaraki R. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for American forward Robert Franks (205-1996, college: WSU) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points and 7 rebounds. His fellow American import Eric Jacobsen (208-1994, college: Arizona St.) helped adding 13 points and 8 rebounds. Robots' coach Chris Holm used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was New Zealand-German center Yannick Wetzell (206-1996, college: SDSU) with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists and guard Eijiro Ogawa (187-2005) scored 19 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Robots have a solid series of three victories in a row. Ibaraki R. moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Chiba. Akita NH lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with 32 games lost. Ibaraki R. will meet at home league's second-placed Nagoya DD in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Akita NH will play against Chiba (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: F.Robert 24+7reb+3ast, K.Nakamura 17+2ast, J.Eric 13+8reb+2ast, N.Hasegawa 10+4ast, K.Akama 8+1reb, C.Tyler 7+7reb+7ast
Akita NH: Y.Wetzell 30+12reb+6ast, O.Eijiro 19+4reb+2ast, J.McLean 12+7reb+2ast, N.Takuya 10+7reb+4ast, S.Teru 7+2reb+6ast, T.Alistair 4+5reb

Chiba - Ryukyu GK 55-73

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Golden Kings (26-13) defeated on the road 10th ranked Chiba (12-27) 73-55 on Sunday. Ryukyu dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Chiba's 22. They outrebounded Chiba 50-33 including a 38-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Ryukyu made 9 blocks. It was a great evening for American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks. International center Alex Kirk (211-1991, college: N.Mexico, agency: Pensack Sports) helped adding 18 points and 7 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). The best for the losing side was American center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international guard Kotetsu Kurokawa (175-2001) scored 11 points and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Golden Kings have a solid series of four victories in a row. Ryukyu moved-up to third place, which they share with Sea Horses M. Newly promoted Chiba keeps the tenth position with 27 games lost. They share it with Ibaraki R.. Ryukyu will meet at home Shimane SM (#7) in the next round. Chiba will play against Akita NH and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: K.Alex 18+7reb+3ast, C.Jack 16+12reb+2ast, R.Kishimoto 15+2reb+1ast, O.Shota 6+2reb+1ast, R.Sadohara 5+2reb+1ast, L.Victor 5+10reb+5ast
Chiba: K.Kotetsu 11+4reb+4ast, Y.Otsuka 10+3reb, D.Pardon 10+11reb+6ast, R.Maeda 7+1ast, S.Kei 6+3reb, W.Leon 5+4reb

Alvark Tokyo - Saga B. 96-83

Rather expected game in Tokyo where 6th ranked Ballooners (21-18) were defeated by fourth ranked Alvark (27-12) 96-83 on Sunday. Alvark Tokyo outrebounded Saga B. 33-19 including a 22-11 advantage in defensive rebounds. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists comparing to just 17 passes made by Saga B.'s players. It was a great evening for the former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) who led his team to a victory scoring 7 points, 16 rebounds and 14 assists. American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) helped adding 10 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. The best for the losing side was American David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) with 33 points (!!!) and Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) scored 14 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Alvark Tokyo moved-up to second place, which they share with Chiba Jets and Hokkaido L. Loser Ballooners keeps the sixth position with 18 games lost. They share it with Shimane SM. Alvark Tokyo will meet league's leader Nagasaki on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Saga B. will play against the league's leader Tochigi Brex (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: S.Ando 21+3reb, O.Taiki 16+2ast, F.Marcus 15+1ast, S.Sebastian 14+1reb, F.Chase 10+7reb+8ast, R.Ryan 7+16reb+14ast
Saga B.: D.Dudzinski 33+4reb+1ast, R.Garcia 14+4reb+3ast, S.Taiki 12+1reb+3ast, T.Rui 11+1reb+1ast, A.Ryo 6+3reb+5ast, K.Atsuki 3

Gunma CT - Nagasaki 72-77

Rather predictable result in Gunma where first ranked Velca (33-6) beat 5th ranked Thunders (24-15) 77-72 on Sunday. It was a great evening for American Stanley Johnson (201-1996, college: Arizona) who led his team to a victory scoring 34 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds. His fellow American import Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston) helped adding 10 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. The best for the losing side was the former international swingman Naoto Tsuji (185-1989) with 17 points (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) and American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) scored 8 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Thunders' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Velca have a solid series of three victories in a row. Nagasaki maintains first place with 33-6 record. Loser Thunders keeps the fifth position with 15 games lost. Nagasaki will meet at home league's second-placed Alvark Tokyo in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gunma CT will play against Kyoto H. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: J.Stanley 34+6reb+2ast, L.Hyunjung 13+3reb+2ast, B.Jarrell 10+10reb+8ast, B.Yudai 9+7reb+3ast, Y.Hayato 5+2reb, K.Ko 2+1reb+2ast
Gunma CT: T.Naoto 17+2reb+2ast, J.Thiemann 12+6reb+1ast, T.Woodbury 10+5reb+4ast, H.Kazuki 8+5reb+1ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 8+6reb+5ast, F.Yuma 7+3reb+1ast

Koshigaya A. - Sunrockers Sh. 62-69

The biggest surprise of round 39 in B1 League was guest Sunrockers Sh.'s (16-23) road victory over 7th ranked Koshigaya A. (15-24) 69-62 on Sunday evening. SunRockers made 24-of-29 free shots (82.8 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was international forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) who scored 9 points and 9 rebounds. American center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 10 points and 5 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Filipino-American center Kai Sotto (220-2002) who recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds and Kazakhstan-American point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) added 7 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists respectively. Four Alphas players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sunrockers Sh. moved-up to seventh place. Koshigaya A. at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 24 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. Koshigaya A. will play on the road against Hiroshima D. (#5) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Sunrockers Sh.: L.Vendrame 11+1reb+2ast, D.Tanaka 10+2reb+3ast, W.Thomas 10+5reb+2ast, H.Josh 9+9reb+2ast, R.Andrew 8+3reb+5ast, J.Harper 6+2reb
Koshigaya A.: M.Shun 12+2ast, J.Martin 11+9reb+1ast, K.Sotto 10+13reb+2ast, D.Reed 10+6reb, A.Clemmons 7+8reb+8ast, Y.Kamata 4+1reb+1ast

FE Nagoya - Yokohama BC 78-87

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 10th ranked Fighting Eagles' (15-24) home loss to ninth ranked B-Corsairs (15-24) 78-87 on Sunday. Yokohama BC made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. Yokohama BC outrebounded FE Nagoya 32-20 including 19 on the defensive glass. Yokohama BC looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a great evening for French power forward Damien Inglis (206-1995, agency: Octagon Europe) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points and 8 assists. American Gary Clark (198-1994, college: Cincinnati) helped adding 14 points and 10 rebounds. Five B-Corsairs players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was guard Ryuto Yasuoka (188-1995) with 21 points (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) and American power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier, agency: Diamond Sports) scored 17 points and 5 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Fighting Eagles' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Yokohama BC moved-up to eighth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated FE Nagoya. FE Nagoya lost third consecutive game. Yokohama BC will meet at home higher ranked Hokkaido L. (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. FE Nagoya will play against San-en NP (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: I.Damien 18+3reb+8ast, C.Gary 14+10reb+1ast, R.Kiefer 14+4reb+4ast, T.Kaleb 12+6reb+2ast, K.Kai 12+6reb+1ast, K.Morii 8+2reb+2ast
FE Nagoya: Y.Ryuto 21+2reb+2ast, S.O'Mara 17+5reb+2ast, J.Pickett 15+2reb+1ast, J.Jones 7+2reb+1ast, S.Tyrell 4+2reb+3ast, N.Namizato 4+4ast

San-en NP - Chiba Jets 104-94

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Jets (27-12) against eighth ranked NeoPhoenix (20-19) on Sunday night. Visiting Jets were defeated by NeoPhoenix in Hamamatsu 104-94. San-en NP made 19-of-22 charity shots (86.4 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 29 assists comparing to just 15 passes made by Chiba Jets' players. It was a good game for American-Nigerian swingman David Nwaba (195-1993, college: Cal Poly) who led his team to a victory with 27 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) contributed with 21 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winners. Nwaba is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four NeoPhoenix players scored in double figures. American forward Nassir Little (199-2000, college: UNC, agency: Pensack Sports) answered with 46 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds and the former international forward Yuta Watanabe (206-1994, college: GWU) added 15 points in the effort for Chiba Jets. NeoPhoenix have a solid series of four victories in a row. San-en NP maintains eighth place with 20-19 record. Chiba Jets at the other side keep the second position with 12 games lost. They share it with Alvark Tokyo and Hokkaido L.. San-en NP will play against FE Nagoya (#10) on the road in the next round. Chiba Jets will play against Osaka E. (#9) and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: N.David 27+5reb+4ast, M.Yante 21+3reb+2ast, D.Nemoto 16+1reb+4ast, J.Cameron 14+4reb+4ast, K.Tsuya 12+3reb+1ast, S.Ryusei 7+2ast
Chiba Jets: N.Little 46+7reb, Y.Watanabe 15+2reb+3ast, Y.Togashi 11+2reb+1ast, S.Riku 9+1reb+2ast, Q.Millora-Brown 8+3reb+3ast, K.Ren 5+4reb+2ast

Osaka E. - Kyoto H. 79-93

There was a small surprise in Osaka where twelfth ranked Hannaryz (11-28) won against 9th ranked Evessa (15-24) 93-79 on Sunday. Kyoto H. outrebounded Osaka E. 34-23 including 22 on the defensive glass. Kyoto H. looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. It was a great evening for American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) who led his team to a victory scoring 22 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) helped adding 20 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). The best for the losing side was American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists and American-Filipino guard Ray Parks (193-1993, agency: Slash Sports) scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. Five Kyoto H. and four Osaka E. players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Kyoto H. maintains twelfth place with 11-28 record. Osaka E. lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with 24 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Kyoto H. will meet higher ranked Gunma CT (#5) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Osaka E. will play against Chiba Jets where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: J.Charles 22+6reb+5ast, C.Angelo 20+6reb+6ast, S.Maeda 15+2reb+3ast, F.Takatoshi 11+4reb+4ast, A.Ogawa 10+3reb+4ast, M.Hall 6+2reb+1ast
Osaka E.: M.Bonds 24+5reb+7ast, R.Parks 13+6reb+1ast, K.Makoto 12+4ast, T.Nesmith 10+1reb+1ast, S.Tatsuya 7+1reb+2ast, M.Hayato 4+1reb+1ast

Sendai 89ers - Nagoya DD 83-74

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Dolphins (30-9) against sixth ranked 89ers (23-16) on Sunday night. Visiting Dolphins were defeated by 89ers in a tough game in Sendai 74-83. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Dolphins. It was a great evening for American guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) who led his team to a victory scoring 26 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Senegalese center Boubacar Toure (213-1995, college: EMU) helped adding 14 points and 11 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) with 20 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds. Four Nagoya DD players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Sendai 89ers moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Hiroshima D. Loser Dolphins keeps the second position with nine games lost. Sendai 89ers will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Nagoya DD will play against Ibaraki R. in Mito and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: C.Jarrett 26+7reb+5ast, T.Boubacar 14+11reb+2ast, E.Sergio 11+10reb+2ast, S.Watanabe 9, Y.Sugiura 8+3reb+1ast, Y.Araya 8+2reb+1ast
Nagoya DD: A.Henry 20+5reb+3ast, S.Takumi 14+2reb+6ast, K.Imamura 12+5reb+2ast, S.Eatherton 10+11reb+2ast, I.Murphy 7, T.Kato 5+1reb+2ast

Shiga L-Stars - Hiroshima D. 89-104

There was no surprise in Shiga where 11th ranked Lakestars (13-26) were defeated by fifth ranked Dragonflies (23-16) 104-89 on Sunday. Hiroshima D. made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was a great evening for American forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a triple-double by scoring 24 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Jamaican center Kofi Cockburn (213-1999, college: Illinois) helped adding 18 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Five Dragonflies players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American-German power forward Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa, agency: Pensack Sports) with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 17 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Dragonflies have a solid series of four victories in a row. Hiroshima D. maintains fifth place with 23-16 record, which they share with Sendai 89ers. Shiga L-Stars lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 26 games lost. Hiroshima D. will meet at home Koshigaya A. (#9) in the next round. Shiga L-Stars will play against Kawasaki in Kanagawa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: E.Dwayne 24+11reb+10ast, K.Mitani 19+3reb+1ast, C.Kofi 18+9reb+1ast, S.Christopher 16+1reb+2ast, R.Terashima 10+1ast, R.Kaine 6
Shiga L-Stars: T.Wimbush 18, Z.Auguste 17+9reb, R.Kriener 16+7reb+5ast, H.Hasegawa 8+3reb, D.Nomoto 8+2reb+9ast, Y.AC 7+2reb+5ast

Shimane SM - Sea Horses M. 75-79

No shocking result in a game in Shimane where fourth ranked SeaHorses (26-13) defeated 7th ranked Magic (21-18) 79-75 on Sunday. Sea Horses M. made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. It was a great evening for American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds. point guard Yoshiaki Kubota (175-1997) helped adding 7 points and 7 assists. The best for the losing side was American forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas, agency: Slash Sports) with 12 points and 9 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and the former international guard Yuta Okada (189-1998) scored 14 points and 8 assists. Four Sea Horses M. and five Shimane SM players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Sea Horses M. moved-up to third place, which they share with Ryukyu. Loser Magic dropped to the sixth position with 18 games lost. They share it with Saga B.. Sea Horses M. will meet at home Toyama G. (#13) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Shimane SM will play against Ryukyu (#3) in Okinawa and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: G.Davante 12+10reb+3ast, K.Thomas 11+6reb, L.Jake 11+1reb+1ast, W.Aaron 10+6reb+1ast, I.Kosuke 8+1reb+2ast, Y.Nishida 8+2reb+3ast
Shimane SM: O.Yuta 14+2reb+8ast, N.Kay 14+7reb, J.McAdoo 13+10reb, N.Yuto 12+4reb+3ast, C.Clarke 12+9reb+3ast, N.Taichi 6+3reb+4ast

Toyama G. - Hokkaido L. 115-93

There was an upset in Toyama where 3rd placed Sapporo (27-12) was rolled over by thirteenth ranked Grouses (10-29) 115-93 on Sunday. Toyama G. dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Sapporo's 42. Toyama G. forced 22 Hokkaido L. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was a great evening for Syrian-American guard Trey Kell III (193-1996, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) who led his team to a victory scoring 46 points (!!!) and 4 assists. Australian forward Brock Motum (208-1990, college: WSU, agency: Slash Sports) helped adding 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). The best for the losing side was American forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn State) with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and Nigerian-American center Jahlil Okafor (211-1995, college: Duke) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who 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. Newly promoted Toyama G. maintains thirteenth place with 10-29 record. Loser Sapporo dropped to the second position with 12 games lost. They share it with Alvark Tokyo and Chiba Jets. Toyama G. will meet higher ranked Sea Horses M. (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hokkaido L. will play against Yokohama BC and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: K.Trey 46+3reb+4ast, M.Brock 17+5reb+6ast, M.Yannis 16+5reb+2ast, W.Nyika 12+7reb+1ast, U.Naoki 7+4reb+3ast, Y.Okada 6+2reb+4ast
Hokkaido L.: K.Tominaga 18+5reb+1ast, I.Shuto 14+2reb, J.Okafor 14+10reb+2ast, J.Harrar 12+12reb+5ast, R.Dwight 9+4reb+1ast, J.Ngatai 7+4ast

Tochigi Brex - Kawasaki BT 104-88

Very predictable result when first ranked Tochigi Brex (29-10) beat at home 12th ranked Brave Thunders (9-30) 104-88 on Sunday. Tochigi Brex looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. It was a great evening for American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). His fellow American import power forward Gavin Edwards (206-1988, college: UConn, agency: Octagon Europe) helped adding 19 points. The best for the losing side was American center Emanuel Terry (206-1996, college: LMU) with 20 points and 8 rebounds and Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Tochigi Brex and four Kawasaki players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion maintains first place with 29-10 record. Kawasaki lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 30 games lost. Tochigi Brex will meet Saga B. (#6) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Kawasaki will play against Shiga L-Stars (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: N.DJ 26+10reb+8ast, E.Gavin 19+4reb+2ast, S.Takashima 15+1reb+2ast, I.Fotu 14+6reb, J.Grant 12+4reb+1ast, Y.Endo 8
Kawasaki BT: E.Terry 20+8reb+2ast, R.Allen 17+9reb+4ast, S.Ryusei 12+3ast, D.Ristic 11+1ast, Y.Jaheru 8+6reb+3ast, T.Shota 7+1reb+1ast