B1 League Round 52 (Regular Season): Nagasaki defeat Hokkaido L. in the closest game of the week

The games are now more important than at the beginning of the Regular Season. We may still expect few shocking results in upcoming 8 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Fifth-ranked Sapporo (32-20) gave a tough game to first ranked Velca (41-11) on Sunday. The visitors from Nagasaki managed to secure only one-point victory 90-89. However their fans expected much easier game. Nagasaki made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American Stanley Johnson (201-1996, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording 29 points and 9 rebounds and South Korean swingman Hyunjung Lee (201-2000, college: Davidson) who added 23 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side international guard Keisei Tominaga (188-2001, college: Nebraska) responded with 24 points and 4 assists. Sapporo's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Nagasaki maintains first position with 41-11 record. Hokkaido L. at the other side keeps the fifth place with 20 games lost. Nagasaki are looking forward to face Hiroshima D. (#6) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Hokkaido L. will play against Chiba and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Eighth-ranked Magic (23-29) gave a tough game to fourth ranked Alvark (35-17) in Tokyo. Alvark managed to secure only two-point victory 70-68. However their fans expected much easier game. The winners were led by Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds and Ryan Rossiter supported him with 4 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists by Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) did not help to save the game for Shimane SM. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Alvark have an impressive five-game winning streak. Alvark Tokyo moved-up to third place, which they share with Chiba Jets. Shimane SM lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with 29 games lost. They share it with Yokohama BC. Alvark Tokyo will play against Yokohama BC (#7) on the road in the next round. Shimane SM will play against Kyoto H. and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Dolphins (39-13) against fourth ranked SeaHorses (36-16) on Sunday night. Visiting Dolphins were crushed by SeaHorses in Kariya 91-61. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Jake Layman fired 25 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. Aaron Henry produced 15 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Sea Horses M. moved-up to second place, which they share with Gunma CT. Loser Dolphins still keeps top position with 13 games lost. They share it with Tochigi Brex. Sea Horses M. will meet Saga B. (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Nagoya DD will play against Ryukyu (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 52: Koshigaya A. lost to Akita NH on the opponent's court 85-87. Chiba unfortunately lost to Yokohama BC in a home game 81-89. Shiga L-Stars were rolled over Chiba Jets on the road 76-104. Gunma CT crushed Kawasaki on its own court 87-64. Sunrockers Sh. beat Hiroshima D. in Tokyo 88-79. San-en NP won against Sendai 89ers at home 104-99. FE Nagoya managed to outperform Osaka E. on the opponent's court 96-91. Ryukyu rolled over Ibaraki R. in a home game 90-58. Kyoto H. defeated Saga B. on the road 87-83. Toyama G. lost to defending champion Tochigi Brex on its own court 85-89.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 24 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists by Trey Kell III of Toyama G..



Akita NH - Koshigaya A. 87-85

There was an upset in Akita where higher ranked Alphas (17-35) were edged by thirteenth ranked Happinets (10-42) 87-85 on Sunday. New Zealand-German center Yannick Wetzell (206-1996, college: SDSU) fired a double-double by scoring 28 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. point guard Takuya Nakayama (182-1994) chipped in 25 points. Four Happinets players scored in double figures. Filipino-American center Kai Sotto (220-2002) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 14 rebounds and Kazakhstan-American point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) added 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Alphas' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Akita NH maintains thirteenth position with 10-42 record. Koshigaya A. lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 35 games lost. They share the position with FE Nagoya. Akita NH will meet higher ranked Sendai 89ers (#6) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Koshigaya A. will play against Ibaraki R. in Mito and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: A.Clemmons 19+6reb+4ast, K.Sotto 17+14reb+3ast, S.Doumbouya 17+6reb+3ast, J.Ngatai 8+1reb+4ast, S.Kai 7+1ast, M.Shun 7+3reb+2ast
Akita NH: W.Yannick 28+15reb+5ast, T.Nakayama 25+3reb+3ast, C.Angelo 10+7reb+1ast, T.Kurihara 10+3reb+6ast, K.Takahira 7+2reb+1ast, T.Sugawara 3+2reb+2ast

Chiba - Yokohama BC 81-89

Rather predictable result when seventh ranked B-Corsairs (23-29) defeated on the road 10th ranked Chiba (16-36) 89-81 on Sunday. Yokohama BC looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. French power forward Damien Inglis (206-1995, agency: Octagon Europe) fired 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American Gary Clark (198-1994, college: Cincinnati) chipped in 13 points and 5 assists. Five B-Corsairs players scored in double figures. American forward Trey Porter (210-1996, college: Nevada, agency: JCK Sports Group) produced a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field) and the former international guard Kotetsu Kurokawa (175-2001) added 22 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. B-Corsairs have a solid three-game winning streak. Yokohama BC maintains seventh position with 23-29 record, which they share with Shimane SM. Chiba lost sixth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the tenth place with 36 games lost. Yokohama BC will meet at home higher ranked Alvark Tokyo (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Chiba will play against Hokkaido L. (#5) in Sapporo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Chiba: T.Porter 24+11reb+3ast, K.Kotetsu 22+2reb+4ast, S.Kei 10+4reb+4ast, K.Takaaki 8+3ast, D.Pardon 6+7reb+2ast, W.Leon 6+2reb
Yokohama BC: A.Seiya 17+5ast, I.Damien 14+7reb+3ast, C.Gary 13+4reb+5ast, G.Arai 13+1reb+1ast, K.Maik-Kalev 11+7reb+2ast, K.Sudo 11+3reb+3ast

Alvark Tokyo - Shimane SM 70-68

Eighth-ranked Magic (23-29) gave a tough game to fourth ranked Alvark (35-17) in Tokyo. Alvark managed to secure only two-point victory 70-68. However their fans expected much easier game. Shimane SM was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. The winners were led by Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds and the former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) supported him with 4 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists by Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) did not help to save the game for Shimane SM. point guard Yuto Nohmi (182-1997) added 20 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Alvark have an impressive five-game winning streak. Alvark Tokyo moved-up to third place, which they share with Chiba Jets. Shimane SM lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with 29 games lost. They share it with Yokohama BC. Alvark Tokyo will play against Yokohama BC (#7) on the road in the next round. Shimane SM will play against Kyoto H. and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Shimane SM: N.Yuto 20+1reb+1ast, N.Kay 15+8reb+4ast, C.Clarke 11+6reb+4ast, I.Fumiya 8+3reb+1ast, M.Dama 6+1reb, O.Yuta 6+2reb+3ast
Alvark Tokyo: F.Marcus 14+2reb+2ast, T.Kai 12+1reb+3ast, S.Sebastian 12+11reb, D.Brandon 9+8reb+1ast, S.Ando 8+1ast, O.Taiki 6+1reb+2ast

Chiba Jets - Shiga L-Stars 104-76

Not a big story in a game in Chiba where 9th ranked Lakestars (21-31) were rolled over by third ranked Jets (35-17) 104-76 on Sunday. Chiba Jets dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Lakestars' 28 and made 24-of-27 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. Chiba Jets outrebounded Shiga L-Stars 36-23 including 27 on the defensive glass. Chiba Jets looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The former international forward Yuta Watanabe (206-1994, college: GWU) fired 23 points and 6 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!) for the winners. American forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) chipped in 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Five Jets players scored in double figures. American forward Thomas Wimbush (201-1993, college: Fairmont St., agency: Slash Sports) produced 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) added 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Chiba Jets maintains third position with 35-17 record having four points less than leader Nagasaki, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Loser Lakestars keep the ninth place with 31 games lost. Chiba Jets will meet Kawasaki (#12) 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:
Shiga L-Stars: T.Wimbush 24+7reb+4ast, Z.Auguste 21+5reb+4ast, R.Kriener 10+4reb+3ast, O.Taiki 6+2reb, Y.AC 5+10ast, D.Nomoto 5+5ast
Chiba Jets: W.Yuta 23+4reb+6ast, H.DJ 20+5reb+5ast, L.Nassir 16+6reb, S.Hara 14+3reb+3ast, B.Garrison 10+11reb+7ast, T.Naoki 7+2ast

Gunma CT - Kawasaki BT 87-64

Everything went according to plan in Gunma where second ranked Thunders (36-16) outscored 12th ranked Brave Thunders (14-38) 87-64 on Sunday. Gunma CT made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. Strangely Kawasaki outrebounded Gunma CT 34-22 including a 16-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) fired 16 points and 6 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners. German Johannes Thiemann (206-1994) chipped in 12 points. Four Thunders players scored in double figures. Serbian center Dusan Ristic (213-1995, college: Arizona) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds and Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) added 14 points respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Thunders have an impressive 12-game winning streak. Gunma CT maintains second position with 36-16 record having just three points less than leader Nagasaki, which they share with Sea Horses M. Kawasaki lost third consecutive game. They keep the twelfth place with 38 games lost. Gunma CT will meet Sunrockers Sh. (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Kawasaki will play against Chiba Jets (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: R.Allen 14+4reb+1ast, E.Terry 12+5reb, D.Ristic 11+11reb, T.Shota 9, Y.Jaheru 7+3reb+3ast, S.Ryusei 4+1reb+6ast
Gunma CT: B.Kerry 16+6reb+3ast, Y.Fujii 13+2reb, T.Johannes 12+4reb+2ast, N.Tsuji 11+2ast, N.Takuto 11+1reb+3ast, M.Trey 9+1reb+4ast

Hiroshima D. - Sunrockers Sh. 79-88

There was a minor upset in Hiroshima where 6th ranked Dragonflies (29-23) were defeated by eighth ranked SunRockers (22-30) 88-79 on Sunday. Sunrockers Sh. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American-Qatari forward Donte Grantham (203-1995, college: Clemson) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) chipped in 17 points and 6 rebounds. Jamaican center Kofi Cockburn (213-1999, college: Illinois) produced a double-double by scoring 30 points and 12 rebounds and American forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) added 13 points and 11 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sunrockers Sh. maintains eighth position with 22-30 record. Loser Dragonflies keeps the sixth place with 23 games lost. Sunrockers Sh. will meet at home league's second-placed Gunma CT in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Hiroshima D. will play against the league's leader Nagasaki (#1) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: K.Cockburn 30+12reb+3ast, D.Evans 13+11reb+1ast, N.Mayo 13+6reb, C.Smith 11+2reb+2ast, Y.Ryo 4+2reb+1ast, T.Ito 4+4reb+4ast
Sunrockers Sh.: H.Josh 17+6reb+3ast, L.Didi 17+4reb, G.Donte 17+13reb+5ast, M.Troy 15+3reb+3ast, L.Vendrame 9+1reb+2ast, J.Harper 8+2reb+5ast

Hokkaido L. - Nagasaki 89-90

Fifth-ranked Sapporo (32-20) gave a tough game to first ranked Velca (41-11) on Sunday. The visitors from Nagasaki managed to secure only one-point victory 90-89. However their fans expected much easier game. Nagasaki made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American Stanley Johnson (201-1996, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording 29 points and 9 rebounds and South Korean swingman Hyunjung Lee (201-2000, college: Davidson) who added 23 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Velca players scored in double figures. At the losing side international guard Keisei Tominaga (188-2001, college: Nebraska) responded with 24 points and 4 assists and Nigerian-American center Jahlil Okafor (211-1995, college: Duke) scored 22 points. Sapporo's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Nagasaki maintains first position with 41-11 record. Hokkaido L. at the other side keeps the fifth place with 20 games lost. Nagasaki are looking forward to face Hiroshima D. (#6) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Hokkaido L. will play against Chiba and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: K.Tominaga 24+4reb+4ast, J.Okafor 22+2reb+3ast, R.Dwight 14+1ast, K.Jones 9+6reb+1ast, I.Shuto 8+1reb+3ast, K.Hiroto 5
Nagasaki: J.Stanley 29+9reb+3ast, L.Hyunjung 23+6reb+2ast, B.Jarrell 14+4reb+4ast, B.Yudai 10+5reb+6ast, Y.Hayato 8+3reb, K.Ko 6+2reb+5ast

San-en NP - Sendai 89ers 104-99

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fifth ranked NeoPhoenix's (31-21) home victory over 6th ranked 89ers (31-21) 104-99 on Sunday. San-en NP looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. American-Nigerian swingman David Nwaba (195-1993, college: Cal Poly) fired a double-double by scoring 30 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) chipped in 22 points and 7 rebounds. Nwaba is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) produced 36 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds and his fellow American import Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) added 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Five San-en NP and four Sendai 89ers players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. San-en NP maintains fifth position with 31-21 record, which they share with Sendai 89ers. San-en NP will meet Shiga L-Stars (#9) on the road in the next round. Sendai 89ers will play against Akita NH (#13) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: J.Culver 36+5reb+1ast, S.El Darwich 14+3reb+5ast, K.Okajima 12+2reb+5ast, N.Boothe 12+9reb+4ast, W.Shota 8+1reb+3ast, F.Seiya 7+4reb+1ast
San-en NP: N.David 30+12reb+5ast, M.Yante 22+7reb+1ast, K.Tsuya 15+2reb, H.Wakugawa 14+5reb+4ast, S.Ryusei 10+2reb+8ast, H.Yoshii 6+2reb+2ast

Osaka E. - FE Nagoya 91-96

There was a minor upset in Osaka where 10th ranked Evessa (20-32) was defeated by twelfth ranked Fighting Eagles (17-35) 96-91 on Sunday. FE Nagoya dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Evessa's 42. FE Nagoya looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Filipino swingman Francis Lopez (197-2003) fired 23 points for the winners. American forward Andrew Randall (198-1990, college: Temple) chipped in 16 points and 5 assists. American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) produced 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and his fellow American import Ryan Luther (206-1995, college: Arizona) added 21 points and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Five FE Nagoya and four Osaka E. players scored in double figures. FE Nagoya moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Koshigaya A. Loser Evessa keeps the tenth position with 32 games lost. FE Nagoya will meet Toyama G. (#13) on the road in the next round. Osaka E. will play against the league's leader Tochigi Brex having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: R.Luther 21+2reb+5ast, M.Bonds 16+8reb+5ast, R.Parks 13+5reb+5ast, U.Yoshiya 12+3reb, V.Gerun 9+4reb, K.Makoto 9+1reb+2ast
FE Nagoya: F.Lopez 23+3reb+1ast, R.Andrew 16+3reb+5ast, O.Sean 14+5reb+2ast, N.Narito 12+2reb+9ast, T.Sasayama 11+5ast, P.Jamorko 10+7reb+4ast

Ryukyu GK - Ibaraki R. 90-58

Very predictable result in Okinawa where third ranked Golden Kings (37-15) smashed 11th ranked Robots (15-37) 90-58 on Sunday. Ryukyu dominated down low during the game scoring 40 of its points in the paint compared to Robots's 20. Ryukyu outrebounded Ibaraki R. 49-32 including 19 on the offensive glass. American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) fired a double-double by scoring 20 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. International center Alex Kirk (211-1991, college: N.Mexico, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 12 points and 9 rebounds. Four Golden Kings players scored in double figures. German Tim Schneider (208-1997) produced 20 points and 9 rebounds and American Eric Jacobsen (208-1994, college: Arizona St.) added 4 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Golden Kings have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Ryukyu maintains third position with 37-15 record having just two points less than leader Nagasaki. Ibaraki R. lost third consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with 37 games lost. Ryukyu will meet league's second-placed Nagoya DD on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ibaraki R. will play against Koshigaya A. (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: T.Schneider 20+9reb, K.Akama 13+2reb+1ast, H.Noboru 8+2reb+2ast, H.Komasawa 7+2reb+1ast, E.Jacobsen 4+9reb+3ast, T.Keita 3+2reb+1ast
Ryukyu GK: C.Jack 20+16reb, Y.Matsuwaki 15+2reb+1ast, L.Victor 15+3reb+3ast, K.Alex 12+9reb+1ast, D.Damyean 7+7reb, O.Shota 6+4reb+2ast

Saga B. - Kyoto H. 83-87

There was an upset in Saga where higher ranked Ballooners (27-25) were defeated by eleventh ranked Hannaryz (18-34) 87-83 on Sunday. Kyoto H. forced 19 Saga B. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) fired 20 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. The other American import power forward Jordan Heath (208-1991, college: Canisius, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 12 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Hannaryz's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) produced 25 points (made all of his nine free throws !!!) and point guard Taiki Sumida (182-1999) added 11 points, 5 rebounds and 11 assists respectively for lost side. Five Kyoto H. and four Saga B. players scored in double figures. Kyoto H. maintains eleventh position with 18-34 record. Loser Ballooners keeps the seventh place with 25 games lost. Kyoto H. will meet higher ranked Shimane SM (#8) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Saga B. will play against Sea Horses M. having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: D.Dudzinski 25+4reb+3ast, T.Groves 16+3reb+2ast, A.Ryo 12+3reb+5ast, S.Taiki 11+5reb+11ast, D.Reed 7+3reb+3ast, I.Ryota 6
Kyoto H.: J.Charles 20+8reb+3ast, A.Ogawa 12+4reb+6ast, C.Angelo 12, H.Jordan 12+7reb+6ast, S.Nishibe 11+1reb+1ast, F.Takatoshi 11+3reb+3ast

Sea Horses M. - Nagoya DD 91-61

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Dolphins (39-13) against fourth ranked SeaHorses (36-16) on Sunday night. Visiting Dolphins were crushed by SeaHorses in Kariya 91-61. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Sea Horses M. outrebounded Nagoya DD 38-27 including a 28-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. Sea Horses M. looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Nagoya DD's players. American forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) fired 25 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. The other American import power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) chipped in 20 points and 8 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) produced 15 points and 5 rebounds and naturalized American Kyle Richardson (200-1991, college: Portland St.) added 12 points respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Sea Horses M. moved-up to second place, which they share with Gunma CT. Loser Dolphins still keeps top position with 13 games lost. They share it with Tochigi Brex. Sea Horses M. will meet Saga B. (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Nagoya DD will play against Ryukyu (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: A.Henry 15+5reb+2ast, K.Richardson 12+4reb+1ast, N.Taito 11+2reb, A.Williams 8+4reb, S.Takumi 6+1reb+4ast, H.Jake 4+4reb+2ast
Sea Horses M.: L.Jake 25+7reb+2ast, G.Davante 20+8reb+2ast, W.Aaron 8+2reb+3ast, K.Thomas 8+3reb+2ast, Y.Suda 8+1ast, I.Kosuke 6+3reb+1ast

Toyama G. - Tochigi Brex 85-89

Everything went according to plan in Toyama where first ranked Tochigi Brex (39-13) beat 13th ranked Grouses (12-40) 89-85 on Sunday. American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) fired 23 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. The former international swingman Makoto Hiejima (191-1990) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds. Syrian-American guard Trey Kell III (193-1996, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 24 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists and French power forward Yannis Morin (208-1993, agency: Slash Sports) added 14 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Tochigi Brex and four Toyama G. players scored in double figures. Grouses' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Defending champion maintains first position with 39-13 record, which they share with Nagoya DD. Newly promoted Toyama G. keeps the thirteenth place with 40 games lost. Tochigi Brex will meet at home Osaka E. (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Toyama G. will play against FE Nagoya and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: T.Kell III 24+13reb+5ast, B.Motum 15+4reb+1ast, M.Kazuki 14+2reb+2ast, Y.Morin 14+9reb+2ast, T.Haruaki 7+1reb+1ast, N.Williams 6+2reb+1ast
Tochigi Brex: N.DJ 23+5reb+8ast, J.Grant 16+4reb+1ast, H.Makoto 15+7reb+3ast, S.Takashima 12+2reb, E.Gavin 10+11reb+3ast, S.Ikaruga 8+1reb+1ast