B1 League Round 55 (Regular Season): #1 Tochigi Brex is defeated by Gunma CT

The teams have now bigger motivation at this stage of Regular Season. Every game can be crucial and decide about teams' position at the end of Regular Season. The round was exceptionally exciting as three games ended with a tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Tochigi Brex (41-14) in Gunma on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by third ranked Thunders (38-17) 74-66. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Tochigi Brex. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. It was a great evening for German Johannes Thiemann (206-1994) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points and 8 rebounds. American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) helped adding 18 points and 5 rebounds. At the losing side American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) responded with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Gunma CT moved-up to second place, which they share with Ryukyu. Defending champion Tochigi Brex still keeps top position with 14 games lost. They share it with Nagoya DD. Gunma CT is looking forward to face Kyoto H. (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Tochigi Brex will play against Sunrockers Sh. (#8) in Tokyo and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Nagoya. Tenth ranked Lakestars (22-33) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging much higher ranked Dolphins (41-14) 86-84 on Sunday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the home team. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Dolphins. It was an exceptional evening for American-German power forward Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa, agency: Pensack Sports) who led the winners and scored 29 points and 6 rebounds. Zach Auguste accounted for 16 points and 14 rebounds. The former international point guard Takumi Saito (172-1995) came up with 34 points (!!!) (made all of his seven free throws) for Nagoya DD in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Shiga L-Stars moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Osaka E. Nagoya DD at the other side still keeps top position with 14 games lost. They share it with Tochigi Brex. Shiga L-Stars will play against higher ranked Hiroshima D. (#6) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Nagoya DD will play against Saga B. (#7) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Hiroshima between Magic and Dragonflies. Eighth ranked Magic (26-29) got a very close victory on the road over 6th ranked Dragonflies (30-25). Magic managed to escape with a 1-point win 73-72 on Sunday evening. Nick Kay fired 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Christopher Smith produced a double-double by scoring 25 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Magic have a solid series of three victories in a row. Shimane SM maintains eighth place with 26-29 record. Loser Dragonflies keeps the sixth position with 25 games lost. Shimane SM will meet league's leader Nagasaki on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hiroshima D. will play against Shiga L-Stars (#10) and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 55: Akita NH lost to Chiba on the opponent's court 74-75. Hokkaido L. managed to outperform Chiba Jets in a home game 92-84. Nagasaki managed to beat Ibaraki R. on the road 109-103. Koshigaya A. was defeated by Alvark Tokyo on its own court 69-79. Sea Horses M. beat Kyoto H. in Kariya 94-85. FE Nagoya was destroyed by Saga B. at home 68-103. Kawasaki unfortunately lost to Osaka E. on the opponent's court 93-103. Ryukyu recorded a loss to San-en NP in a home game 68-86. Sendai 89ers were defeated by Toyama G. on the road 92-89. Yokohama BC was beaten by Sunrockers Sh. on its own court 67-70.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 26 points and 7 rebounds by Josh Hawkinson of Sunrockers Sh..



Chiba - Akita NH 75-74

Rather expected game when 13th ranked Happinets (10-45) were edged on the road by tenth ranked Chiba (18-37) 75-74 on Sunday. Chiba looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American forward Trey Porter (210-1996, college: Nevada, agency: JCK Sports Group) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. His fellow American import center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) chipped in 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. New Zealand-German center Yannick Wetzell (206-1996, college: SDSU) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and point guard Takuya Nakayama (182-1994) added 8 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Chiba moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Koshigaya A. and Kyoto H. Akita NH lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with 45 games lost. Chiba will meet at home Ibaraki R. (#11) in the next round. Akita NH will play against Hokkaido L. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: Y.Wetzell 21+12reb+4ast, K.Tsubasa 11+3reb+2ast, T.Kanji 11+3reb+1ast, I.Yori 11+5reb, N.Takuya 8+11reb+7ast, T.Alistair 6+1reb+1ast
Chiba: P.Trey 17+11reb+1ast, P.Dererk 13+8reb+4ast, K.Kurokawa 12+2reb+7ast, T.Kida 10+3reb+2ast, O.Yuto 9+1reb+2ast, K.Sugimoto 7+5reb+4ast

Nagoya DD - Shiga L-Stars 84-86

Important game to mention about took place in Nagoya. Tenth ranked Lakestars (22-33) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging much higher ranked Dolphins (41-14) 86-84 on Sunday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the home team. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Dolphins. It was an exceptional evening for American-German power forward Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa, agency: Pensack Sports) who led the winners and scored 29 points and 6 rebounds. Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) accounted for 16 points and 14 rebounds for the winning side. The former international point guard Takumi Saito (172-1995) came up with 34 points (!!!) (made all of his seven free throws) and American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) added 21 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Nagoya DD in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Shiga L-Stars moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Osaka E. Nagoya DD at the other side still keeps top position with 14 games lost. They share it with Tochigi Brex. Shiga L-Stars will play against higher ranked Hiroshima D. (#6) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Nagoya DD will play against Saga B. (#7) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: S.Takumi 34+1reb+2ast, A.Henry 21+6reb+2ast, K.Imamura 13+1reb, A.Williams 5+3reb+2ast, H.Jake 4+2reb+3ast, T.Kato 3+3reb+2ast
Shiga L-Stars: K.Ryan 29+6reb+2ast, W.Thomas 17+6reb, A.Zach 16+14reb+1ast, A.Yu 8+3reb+10ast, Y.Nishida 6+3reb+1ast, K.Tsuneta 5+1ast

Gunma CT - Tochigi Brex 74-66

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Tochigi Brex (41-14) in Gunma on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by third ranked Thunders (38-17) 74-66. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Tochigi Brex. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. It was a great evening for German Johannes Thiemann (206-1994) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points and 8 rebounds. American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) helped adding 18 points and 5 rebounds. At the losing side American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) responded with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import power forward Gavin Edwards (206-1988, college: UConn, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. Gunma CT moved-up to second place, which they share with Ryukyu. Defending champion Tochigi Brex still keeps top position with 14 games lost. They share it with Nagoya DD. Gunma CT is looking forward to face Kyoto H. (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Tochigi Brex will play against Sunrockers Sh. (#8) in Tokyo and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: D.Newbill 22+7reb+5ast, G.Edwards 10+8reb+2ast, G.Jerrett 10+7reb+3ast, M.Hiejima 9+3reb+3ast, I.Seiji 8+1reb+2ast, T.Kosuke 4+2reb
Gunma CT: T.Johannes 18+8reb, B.Kerry 18+5reb+1ast, N.Tsuji 12+1reb+3ast, Y.Fujii 9+2reb+2ast, N.Takuto 9+3reb+5ast, E.AJ 4+7reb

Hiroshima D. - Shimane SM 72-73

A very close game took place in Hiroshima between Magic and Dragonflies. Eighth ranked Magic (26-29) got a very close victory on the road over 6th ranked Dragonflies (30-25). Magic managed to escape with a 1-point win 73-72 on Sunday evening. Strangely Hiroshima D. outrebounded Shimane SM 38-26 including 23 on the defensive glass. Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) fired 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in 16 points. Four Magic players scored in double figures. American guard Christopher Smith (193-1994, college: Utah St.) produced a double-double by scoring 25 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists and Jamaican center Kofi Cockburn (213-1999, college: Illinois) added 24 points and 12 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Magic have a solid series of three victories in a row. Shimane SM maintains eighth place with 26-29 record. Loser Dragonflies keeps the sixth position with 25 games lost. Shimane SM will meet league's leader Nagasaki on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hiroshima D. will play against Shiga L-Stars (#10) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: C.Smith 25+11reb+7ast, K.Cockburn 24+12reb+1ast, N.Mayo 8+9reb+10ast, M.Keijiro 6+3reb+1ast, K.Hareyama 3+1reb, K.Roberts 3
Shimane SM: K.Nick 21+7reb+2ast, C.Coty 16+4reb+1ast, S.Arai 12+2reb+6ast, T.Nakamura 10+2reb+1ast, F.Iio 8+2reb+1ast, A.Sukegawa 4+4reb

Hokkaido L. - Chiba Jets 92-84

There was a small surprise when fifth ranked Sapporo (34-21) defeated at home much higher ranked Jets (37-18) 92-84 on Sunday. Hokkaido L. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. Forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) fired 22 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn State) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Sapporo players scored in double figures. Forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) produced 35 points (!!!), 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals and forward Nassir Little (199-2000, college: UNC, agency: Pensack Sports) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Hokkaido L. maintains fifth place with 34-21 record. Loser Jets dropped to the third position with 18 games lost. They share it with Alvark Tokyo. Hokkaido L. will meet Akita NH (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Chiba Jets will play against Yokohama BC (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: D.Hogg 35+6reb+4ast, N.Little 10+6reb+3ast, Y.Togashi 9+4ast, K.Ren 7, G.Brooks 7+6reb+1ast, Y.Watanabe 6+6reb+3ast
Hokkaido L.: J.Kevin 22+5reb+1ast, T.Keisei 17+4reb+5ast, H.John 11+10reb+6ast, D.Ramos 11+4reb+1ast, R.Shimatani 11+2reb+5ast, S.Ichiba 9+3reb+1ast

Ibaraki R. - Nagasaki 103-109

Not a big story in a game in Mito where 11th ranked Robots (15-40) were defeated by first ranked Velca (43-12) 109-103 on Sunday. Nagasaki forced 23 Ibaraki R. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Nagasaki made 7 blocks. American Stanley Johnson (201-1996, college: Arizona) fired 26 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for the winners. South Korean swingman Hyunjung Lee (201-2000, college: Davidson) chipped in 26 points (made all of his nine free throws !!!). Five Velca players scored in double figures. Velca's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American Eric Jacobsen (208-1994, college: Arizona St.) produced a double-double by scoring 25 points, 15 rebounds and 8 assists and point guard Noboru Hasegawa (174-1996) added 19 points and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Nagasaki maintains first place with 43-12 record. Ibaraki R. lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 40 games lost. Nagasaki will meet at home Shimane SM (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Ibaraki R. will play against Chiba and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: E.Jacobsen 25+15reb+8ast, H.Noboru 19+5ast, R.Franks 16+7reb+1ast, K.Akama 11, T.Schneider 9+5reb+2ast, H.Komasawa 8+1reb+6ast
Nagasaki: L.Hyunjung 26+3reb, J.Stanley 26+7reb+4ast, B.Yudai 20+1ast, K.Ko 15+5reb+8ast, B.Jarrell 13+5reb+10ast, L.Mitch 6+3reb+3ast

Koshigaya A. - Alvark Tokyo 69-79

Everything went according to plan in Tokyo where fourth ranked Alvark (37-18) beat 9th ranked Alphas (18-37) 79-69 on Sunday. Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) fired 29 points for the winners. American-Ugandan center Brandon Davies (208-1991, college: BYU) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds. Guinean-French Sekou Doumbouya (206-2000) produced 29 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and Kazakhstan-American point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) added 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!) respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Alvark Tokyo moved-up to third place, which they share with Chiba Jets. Loser Alphas keeps the ninth position with 37 games lost. They share it with Kyoto H. and Chiba. Alvark Tokyo will meet at home FE Nagoya (#12) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Koshigaya A. will play against Sendai 89ers and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: S.Doumbouya 29+7reb+4ast, A.Clemmons 15+7reb+4ast, M.Shun 11+4reb+2ast, J.Ngatai 4+1reb+2ast, O.Takeru 3+2reb+2ast, S.Kai 3+1reb
Alvark Tokyo: S.Sebastian 29+4reb+3ast, D.Brandon 14+6reb+1ast, F.Marcus 10+4reb+3ast, S.Ando 9+3reb+2ast, O.Taiki 6+2reb+1ast, N.Hiromu 5+1ast

Kyoto H. - Sea Horses M. 85-94

There was no surprise in Kyoto where 11th ranked Hannaryz (18-37) was defeated by third ranked SeaHorses (39-16) 94-85 on Sunday. Sea Horses M. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) fired a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. His fellow American import power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) chipped in 19 points and 7 rebounds. American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds and Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists respectively for lost side. Four Kyoto H. players scored in double figures. Hannaryz's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. SeaHorses have a solid series of four victories in a row. Sea Horses M. maintains third place with 39-16 record having just two points less than leader Nagasaki. Kyoto H. lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth position with 37 games lost. They share it with Koshigaya A. and Chiba. Sea Horses M. will meet Osaka E. (#9) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Kyoto H. will play against the league's second-placed Gunma CT and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: C.Jackson 18+12reb+2ast, O.Asato 16+1reb+9ast, A.Caloiaro 14+5reb+10ast, J.Heath 12+6reb+1ast, H.Mone 8+2reb+3ast, T.Furukawa 6+1reb
Sea Horses M.: L.Jake 25+11reb+3ast, Y.Suda 19+1reb, G.Davante 19+7reb+1ast, Y.Kubota 8+1reb+3ast, S.Avi 6+3reb, S.Nagano 5+2reb+9ast

FE Nagoya - Saga B. 68-103

No shocking result in a game in Nagoya where seventh ranked Ballooners (29-26) outleveled 12th ranked Fighting Eagles (17-38) 103-68 on Sunday. Saga B. dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Fighting Eagles's 34. Saga B. outrebounded FE Nagoya 41-30 including 28 on the defensive glass. Saga B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists. Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) fired 27 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals for the winners. American power forward Tanner Groves (208-1999, college: Oklahoma) chipped in a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds. American Jamorko Pickett (206-1997, college: Georgetown) produced 22 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import forward Andrew Randall (198-1990, college: Temple) added 11 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. 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. Saga B. maintains seventh place with 29-26 record. FE Nagoya lost third consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 38 games lost. Saga B. will meet at home league's second-placed Nagoya DD in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. FE Nagoya will play against Alvark Tokyo (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: J.Pickett 22+7reb+2ast, Y.Ryuto 14+4reb+1ast, A.Randall 11+8reb+3ast, L.Francis 10+4reb+6ast, S.Tensho 4+3reb, H.Daichi 4+1reb+2ast
Saga B.: G.Reynaldo 27+9reb+5ast, G.Tanner 20+14reb+2ast, D.David 16+6reb, R.Inoue 12+1reb+4ast, S.Uchio 7+3ast, T.Tomiyama 7+1reb

Osaka E. - Kawasaki BT 103-93

Rather expected game in Osaka where 12th ranked Brave Thunders (14-41) were defeated by ninth ranked Evessa (22-33) 103-93 on Sunday. Osaka E. made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) fired 17 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. American-Filipino guard Ray Parks (193-1993, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in 20 points and 4 assists. Serbian center Dusan Ristic (213-1995, college: Arizona) produced a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds and American center Emanuel Terry (206-1996, college: LMU) added 15 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Five Osaka E. and four Kawasaki players scored in double figures. Brave Thunders' coach rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Osaka E. maintains ninth place with 22-33 record, which they share with Shiga L-Stars. Kawasaki lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 41 games lost. They share it with Toyama G.. Osaka E. will meet at home higher ranked Sea Horses M. (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Kawasaki will play against Ryukyu (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: R.Allen 24+4reb+1ast, D.Ristic 23+11reb+1ast, Y.Reoto 15+2reb+7ast, E.Terry 15+10reb+5ast, I.Ryo 6+1ast, Y.Jaheru 4+2reb+4ast
Osaka E.: P.Ray 20+4reb+4ast, L.Ryan 19+3reb+3ast, B.Matt 17+9reb+8ast, G.Volodymyr 17+9reb+1ast, Y.Uematsu 14+5reb+1ast, T.Joji 9+4reb

Ryukyu GK - San-en NP 68-86

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Okinawa where fifth ranked NeoPhoenix (33-22) defeated 4th placed Golden Kings (38-17) 86-68 on Sunday. San-en NP shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 53.8 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American-Nigerian swingman David Nwaba (195-1993, college: Cal Poly) fired a double-double by scoring 26 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). Nwaba is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American swingman Damyean Dotson (196-1994, college: Houston) produced 18 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. San-en NP maintains fifth place with 33-22 record, which they share with Sendai 89ers. Loser Golden Kings dropped to the second position with 17 games lost. They share it with Gunma CT. San-en NP will meet at home Toyama G. (#13) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Ryukyu will play against Kawasaki (#12) in Kanagawa and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: D.Dotson 18+6reb+3ast, J.Cooley 16+5reb+1ast, A.Kirk 13+4reb+3ast, K.Ryuichi 11+3ast, S.Ryo 4+2reb+1ast, M.Yoshiyuki 4+2reb
San-en NP: N.David 26+12reb+6ast, M.Yante 17+9reb+3ast, K.Tsuya 15+2reb+2ast, S.Ryusei 14+1reb+4ast, H.Wakugawa 7+2reb+2ast, J.Kodama 3+2ast

Toyama G. - Sendai 89ers 92-89

There was an upset in Toyama where higher ranked 89ers (33-22) were edged by thirteenth ranked Grouses (14-41) 92-89 on Sunday. Toyama G. made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Syrian-American guard Trey Kell III (193-1996, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) fired a double-double by scoring 37 points (!!!), 12 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. The former international power forward Nyika Williams (203-1987, college: Pacific) chipped in 20 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). American guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) produced 19 points and 5 assists and Lebanese guard Sergio El Darwich (194-1996, college: Maine) added 14 points and 8 assists respectively for lost side. Five Sendai 89ers players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Toyama G. moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Kawasaki. Loser 89ers dropped to the fifth position with 22 games lost. They share it with San-en NP. Toyama G. will meet higher ranked San-en NP (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Sendai 89ers will play against Koshigaya A. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: J.Culver 19+4reb+5ast, W.Shota 18+2reb+4ast, S.El Darwich 14+4reb+8ast, A.Yusho 12+5reb+2ast, K.Okajima 10+1reb+1ast, B.Toure 10+8reb+2ast
Toyama G.: K.Trey 37+12reb+8ast, W.Nyika 20+7reb, M.Brock 10+3reb+8ast, Y.Fujinaga 5, H.Tanaka 5+3ast, K.Daichi 4+2reb

Yokohama BC - Sunrockers Sh. 67-70

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Yokohama where eighth ranked SunRockers (23-32) edged 7th ranked B-Corsairs (25-30) 70-67 on Sunday. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) fired 26 points and 7 rebounds for the winners (made all of his seven free throws). American-Qatari forward Donte Grantham (203-1995, college: Clemson) chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. French power forward Damien Inglis (206-1995, agency: Octagon Europe) produced a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) added 25 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Sunrockers Sh. maintains eighth place with 23-32 record. Loser B-Corsairs keeps the seventh position with 30 games lost. Sunrockers Sh. will meet at home league's leader Tochigi Brex in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Yokohama BC will play against Chiba Jets (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: S.Ando 25+1reb+2ast, D.Inglis 15+10reb+5ast, G.Clark 7+7reb, M.Kotsar 6+7reb+2ast, M.Kenta 5, S.Koya 4+1reb+2ast
Sunrockers Sh.: H.Josh 26+7reb+1ast, J.Harper 13+6reb+4ast, G.Donte 13+10reb+5ast, W.Thomas 6+9reb+3ast, L.Vendrame 4+1reb+2ast, D.Tanaka 4+1ast