B3 League Round 43 (Regular Season): Tachikawa edge Niigata A. by one point

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 43 in the B3 League took place in Niigata. This derby game ended with only one-point home defeat of 5th ranked Albirex (25-17) to seventh ranked Dice (22-18) 81-80 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Albirex. Tachikawa made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. Tachikawa outrebounded Niigata A. 45-32 including 18 on the offensive glass. American power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-1990, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) fired a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Lithuanian power forward Rokas Gustys (206-1994, college: Hofstra) chipped in 4 points and 17 rebounds. Center Mutombo Jean-Pierre (206-2002) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Tachikawa maintains seventh place with 22-18 record. Niigata A. at the other side keeps the fifth position with 17 games lost. Tachikawa are looking forward to face Yamaguchi (#13) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Niigata A. will have a break next round.
Leader Five Arrows delivered the 33th victory. This time they crushed 14th ranked Shinagawa (10-32) 86-64 in Takamatsu. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) who helped to win the game recording 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Patrick Kalonji contributed with 14 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American forward Victor Hart (203-2001, college: Southern Miss) answered with 8 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for Shinagawa. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Five Arrows (33-7) have an impressive series of seventeen victories in a row. Kagawa maintains first place. Shinagawa at the other side keeps the fourteenth position with 32 games lost. Kagawa will play against bottom-ranked Veertien Mie (#15) in Yokkaichi in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Shinagawa will have a break next round.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Tokyo, where higher ranked Swoops (18-22) were outleveled in a road game by twelfth ranked Earthfriends (15-27) 91-59 on Sunday. It was a great evening for Malik Benlevi who led his team to a victory scoring 21 points and 9 rebounds (perfect behind the arc making all five shots). At the losing side Daniel Fotu responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tokyo Z maintains twelfth place with 15-27 record. Gifu lost their seventh game in a row. They dropped to the ninth position with 22 games lost. They share it with Kanazawa. Tokyo Z will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Gifu will play against Tokushima Gam. (#3) having rather not much hope for a victory.

Other games of round 43 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Yamaguchi was defeated by Saitama in a road game 86-73. Tokyo Utd beat Shanan Utd at home 76-70. Tokyo won against Veertien Mie on the opponent's court 77-68. Tokushima Gam. managed to outperform Kanazawa in a home game 75-68. Shanan Utd recorded a loss to Tokyo Utd on the road 87-73.
The best stats of 43th round was 26 points by Hiroki Higashi of Tokyo Utd.



Saitama - Yamaguchi 86-73

There was no surprise in Saitama where 13th ranked Pats Five (11-33) was defeated by second ranked Broncos (33-9) 86-73 on Sunday. Saitama looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a great evening for American Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. His fellow American import forward Kennedy Meeks (208-1995, college: UNC) helped adding 16 points and 7 rebounds. Five Broncos players scored in double figures. At the losing side point guard Shuto Kishinaga (181-2000) responded with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and American center Antavion Collum (206-2000, college: McNeese St.) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for Broncos. Saitama maintains second place with 33-9 record having just two point less than leader Kagawa FA. Yamaguchi lost their third game in a row. They keep the thirteenth position with 33 games lost. Saitama will meet Shanan Utd (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Yamaguchi will play against Tachikawa and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Saitama: M.Kennedy 16+7reb+2ast, B.Trent 15+9reb, Y.Matsushita 13+2reb+7ast, O.Devin 12+12reb+6ast, M.Kataoka 11+1reb+1ast, K.Ryota 8+1ast
Yamaguchi: K.Shuto 21+5reb+5ast, A.Collum 12+10reb+3ast, Y.Rikiya 10+1reb+1ast, E.Brauns 9+13reb+2ast, I.Yuki 8+3reb, H.Bostyn 5+6reb+2ast

Tokyo Utd - Shanan Utd 76-70

No shocking result in a game in Tokyo where eighth ranked United (19-21) defeated 11th ranked United (16-24) 76-70 on Sunday. Tokyo Utd dominated down low during the game scoring 40 of its points in the paint compared to United's 20. It was a great evening for American forward Jordan Faison (201-1994, college: CPP, agency: 011 Sports) who led his team to a victory scoring 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. point guard Hiroki Higashi (184-1995) helped adding 18 points. At the losing side American center Jacob Polakovich (208-2000, college: S.Indiana) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 15 rebounds and Guamanian-American guard Earnest Ross (198-1991, college: Missouri, agency: Haylett Sports) scored 11 points and 7 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws). Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for United. Tokyo Utd maintains eighth place with 19-21 record. Loser United keeps the eleventh position with 24 games lost. Tokyo Utd will meet higher ranked Okayama (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Shanan Utd will play against the league's second-placed Saitama (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Utd: F.Jordan 19+9reb+4ast, H.Higashi 18+4reb+1ast, S.Kedrick 18+3reb+1ast, K.Hayden 8+7reb+5ast, V.Rhys 7+6reb+4ast, W.Furukawa 3+1reb
Shanan Utd: N.Kodai 17+1reb, J.Polakovich 16+15reb+2ast, E.Ross 11+7reb+1ast, I.Tomohiro 9+2reb+3ast, T.Shinya 6, C.Tapscott 4+3reb+1ast

Tokyo Z - Gifu 91-59

We should mention about the upset which took place in Tokyo, where higher ranked Swoops (18-22) were outleveled in a road game by twelfth ranked Earthfriends (15-27) 91-59 on Sunday. Tokyo Z had a 33-22 advantage in offensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 16 long-distance shots on high 51.6 percentage. Tokyo Z looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Gifu's players. It was a great evening for American forward Malik Benlevi (198-1997, college: Georgia St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 21 points and 9 rebounds (perfect behind the arc making all five shots). His fellow American import power forward Jeremy Combs (201-1995, college: Texas Southern) helped adding 17 points and 12 rebounds. Benlevi is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Earthfriends players scored in double figures. At the losing side New Zealand forward Daniel Fotu (203-1999, college: SMC) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds and American forward Jordan Giles (200-1998, college: UMKC, agency: One Motive Sports) scored 17 points and 5 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tokyo Z maintains twelfth place with 15-27 record. Gifu lost their seventh game in a row. They dropped to the ninth position with 22 games lost. They share it with Kanazawa. Tokyo Z will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Gifu will play against Tokushima Gam. (#3) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Z: B.Malik 21+9reb+2ast, C.Jeremy 17+12reb+2ast, S.Shimodaira 15+3reb, I.Takumi 15+3reb+8ast, S.James 10+3reb+4ast, D.Hikaru 6+2reb+2ast
Gifu: J.Giles 17+5reb+3ast, D.Fotu 15+11reb, R.Yamazaki 9+1reb+3ast, T.Masahiro 5+1reb, T.Kodai 5+4reb+2ast, U.Kenshin 3

Niigata A. - Tachikawa 80-81

The most exciting game of round 43 in the B3 League took place in Niigata. This derby game ended with only one-point home defeat of 5th ranked Albirex (25-17) to seventh ranked Dice (22-18) 81-80 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Albirex. Tachikawa made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. Tachikawa outrebounded Niigata A. 45-32 including 18 on the offensive glass. American power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-1990, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) fired a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds for the winners. Lithuanian power forward Rokas Gustys (206-1994, college: Hofstra) chipped in 4 points and 17 rebounds. Center Mutombo Jean-Pierre (206-2002) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds and point guard Aruma Hamada (178-1997) added 21 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Four Niigata A. players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Tachikawa maintains seventh place with 22-18 record. Niigata A. at the other side keeps the fifth position with 17 games lost. Tachikawa are looking forward to face Yamaguchi (#13) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Niigata A. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Tachikawa: F.Andrew 27+14reb+1ast, P.LJ 18+3reb+1ast, S.Osaki 10, F.Sato 5+1reb, Y.Makanae 5+1ast, J.Machii 4+3reb+6ast
Niigata A.: H.Aruma 21+1reb+4ast, J.Mutombo 16+11reb+2ast, E.Phelps 10+9reb+1ast, N.Mitsuki 10+1ast, H.Aoi 9+3reb+2ast, B.Mack 4+1ast

Veertien Mie - Tokyo HT 68-77

Very expected game in Yokkaichi where 15th ranked Veertien Mie (7-33) was defeated by sixth ranked Hachioji Trains (23-19) 77-68 on Sunday. Tokyo forced 19 Veertien Mie turnovers. It was a great evening for American forward Taren Sullivan (198-1995, college: Findlay, OH) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points. point guard Keitaro Takaoka (182-1999) helped adding 11 points and 5 assists. Five Hachioji Trains players scored in double figures. At the losing side Spanish center David Doblas (208-1981) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds and American power forward Damonte Dodd (211-1994, college: Maryland) scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Tokyo maintains sixth place with 23-19 record. Veertien Mie lost their twelfth game in a row. They stay dead last with 33 lost games. Tokyo will meet at home Kanazawa (#10) in the next round. Veertien Mie will play against the league's leader Kagawa (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tokyo HT: S.Taren 24+2reb+3ast, S.Kubema 13+5reb, K.Takaoka 11+2reb+5ast, F.Yamamoto 11+2reb+1ast, A.Ivan 10+7reb, O.Yusaku 5+2reb
Veertien Mie: D.Doblas 16+12reb, S.Takaya 16+1reb+1ast, D.Dodd 14+8reb+1ast, S.Yusei 6+2reb+4ast, C.Olivier 4+4reb, K.Takao 4+4reb+3ast

Tokushima Gam. - Kanazawa 75-68

Very predictable result in Tokushima where third ranked Gambarous (32-10) beat 9th ranked Samuraiz (18-22) 75-68 on Sunday. Tokushima Gam. outrebounded Kanazawa 46-35 including 31 on the defensive glass. It was a great evening for American power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Teruya Aoyama (185-1999) helped adding 12 points and 8 rebounds. At the losing side Dutch forward Jediael Cordilia (206-2002, college: Mt.St.Mary's) responded with 9 points and 9 rebounds and New Zealand forward Hyrum Harris (204-1996, college: Umpqua CC) scored 8 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Tokushima Gam. maintains third place with 32-10 record behind leader Kagawa FA. Loser Samuraiz keeps the ninth position with 22 games lost. They share it with Gifu. Tokushima Gam. will meet Gifu (#9) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Kanazawa will play against Tokyo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tokushima Gam.: D.Tavrion 20+11reb+1ast, L.Ryan 15+5reb+1ast, T.Aoyama 12+8reb+3ast, M.Naoto 8+4reb, M.Tsuruta 7+2reb, Y.Tsukamoto 7+4reb+3ast
Kanazawa: K.Allen 12+2reb+1ast, T.Issei 10+3reb+2ast, M.Burton 9+2reb+4ast, J.Cordilia 9+9reb, M.Gashu 8+2reb+2ast, H.Harris 8+8reb+2ast

Kagawa FA - Shinagawa 86-64

Leader Five Arrows delivered the 33th victory. This time they crushed 14th ranked Shinagawa (10-32) 86-64 in Takamatsu. Kagawa players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) who helped to win the game recording 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Center Patrick Kalonji (206-1999) contributed with 14 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American forward Victor Hart (203-2001, college: Southern Miss) answered with 8 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and Lithuanian Grantas Vasiliauskas (204-1999) added 10 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Shinagawa. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Five Arrows (33-7) have an impressive series of seventeen victories in a row. Kagawa maintains first place. Shinagawa at the other side keeps the fourteenth position with 32 games lost. Kagawa will play against bottom-ranked Veertien Mie (#15) in Yokkaichi in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Shinagawa will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kagawa FA: H.Tucker 17+3reb+2ast, L.Jacob 16+8reb+4ast, P.Kalonji 14+6reb+2ast, T.Kobayashi 8+2reb+5ast, K.Takahashi 8+2ast, D.Alex 6+10reb+2ast
Shinagawa: M.Grazulis 16+3reb+1ast, R.Tawatari 11+2reb+3ast, G.Vasiliauskas 10+8reb+3ast, V.Hart 8+9reb+4ast, H.Yamane 7+3ast, S.Horiuchi 5+1reb+1ast

Tokyo Utd - Shanan Utd 87-73

Not a big story in a game in Tokyo where 11th ranked United (16-24) was defeated by eighth ranked United (19-21) 87-73 on Monday. Tokyo Utd dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to United's 22. Tokyo Utd outrebounded Shanan Utd 39-28 including a 34-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. Tokyo Utd looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a great evening for point guard Hiroki Higashi (184-1995) who led his team to a victory scoring 26 points. point guard Ren Kawashima (180-1994) helped adding 17 points. Four United players scored in double figures. At the losing side Guamanian-American guard Earnest Ross (198-1991, college: Missouri, agency: Haylett Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds and American center Jacob Polakovich (208-2000, college: S.Indiana) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for United. Tokyo Utd maintains eighth place with 19-21 record. Loser United keeps the eleventh position with 24 games lost. Tokyo Utd will meet higher ranked Okayama (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Shanan Utd will play against the league's second-placed Saitama (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Utd: H.Higashi 26+2reb+3ast, R.Kawashima 17+4reb+2ast, F.Jordan 13+7reb+1ast, D.Taguchi 12+6reb+4ast, K.Hayden 6+3reb+4ast, V.Rhys 5+9reb+2ast
Shanan Utd: E.Ross 21+10reb+1ast, I.Tomohiro 15+3reb+1ast, J.Polakovich 13+11reb+6ast, T.Aiki 8+1reb+2ast, T.Iju 5+1reb+2ast, T.Shinya 5+1ast