B1 League Round 56 (Regular Season): Nagoya DD is upset by Saga B.

The Regular Season in B1 League is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 4 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most important game in the last round took place in Saga between second ranked Dolphins (41-15) and seventh ranked Ballooners (30-26) on Wednesday night. Dolphins were defeated by Ballooners in a tough game on the road 66-71. The best player for the winners was Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. American power forward Tanner Groves (208-1999, college: Oklahoma) chipped in 21 points and 5 rebounds. American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists for the guests. Dolphins' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Ballooners have a solid three-game winning streak. Saga B. maintains seventh position with 30-26 record. Nagoya DD at the other side keeps the second place with 15 games lost. Saga B. are looking forward to face higher ranked Ryukyu (#4) in Okinawa in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Nagoya DD will play at home against the league's leader Tochigi Brex and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Leader Velca delivered the 44th victory. This time they crushed 8th ranked Magic (26-30) 106-74 in Nagasaki. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Magic. American Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Hyunjung Lee contributed with 19 points and 9 rebounds (perfect from downtown making all five shots) for the winners. Velca's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) replied with 15 points and 7 rebounds for Shimane SM. Velca have a solid three-game winning streak. Nagasaki maintains first position with 44-12 record. Shimane SM at the other side keeps the eighth place with 30 games lost. Nagasaki will play against FE Nagoya (#12) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Shimane SM will play against Ibaraki R. (#11) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Leader Tochigi Brex recorded the 42th victory on Wednesday night. This time they beat 8th ranked SunRockers (23-33) 86-68 in Tokyo. Worth to mention a quality performance of Grant Jerrett who helped to win the game recording 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Thomas Welsh responded with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Defending champion maintains first position with 42-14 record. Loser SunRockers keeps the eighth place with 33 games lost. Tochigi Brex 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. Sunrockers Sh. will play against Chiba (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 56 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Hokkaido L. crushed Akita NH in Sapporo 108-76. Chiba was beaten by Ibaraki R. at home 66-79. FE Nagoya was destroyed by Alvark Tokyo on the opponent's court 92-71. Kawasaki unfortunately lost to Ryukyu in a home game 71-80. Yokohama BC was rolled over Chiba Jets on the road 77-101. Gunma CT defeated Kyoto H. on its own court 84-66. Toyama G. was beaten by San-en NP in Hamamatsu 94-86. Osaka E. lost to Sea Horses M. at home 82-84. Koshigaya A. was outscored by Sendai 89ers on the opponent's court 78-102. Shiga L-Stars recorded a loss to Hiroshima D. in a home game 69-81.
The best stats of 56th round was 21 points and 9 rebounds by Gavin Edwards of Tochigi Brex.



Akita NH - Hokkaido L. 76-108

There was no surprise in Akita where 13th ranked Happinets (10-46) were crushed by fifth ranked Sapporo (35-21) 108-76 on Wednesday. Hokkaido L. dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Happinets's 38. Hokkaido L. outrebounded Akita NH 45-21 including a 16-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Hokkaido L. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech) who added 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Five Sapporo players scored in double figures. New Zealand-German center Yannick Wetzell (206-1996, college: SDSU) responded with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and Lebanese point guard Ali Mezher (182-1994) scored 14 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Hokkaido L. maintains fifth position with 35-21 record. Akita NH lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with 46 games lost. Hokkaido L. will meet at home league's second-placed Gunma CT in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Akita NH will play against Toyama G. (#13) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: Y.Wetzell 23+7reb+5ast, A.Mezher 14+4reb+2ast, H.Naohide 14+4ast, I.Yori 8+3reb+2ast, T.Alistair 6, N.Takuya 5+5reb+1ast
Hokkaido L.: J.Kevin 23+12reb+5ast, T.Keisei 23+2reb+4ast, H.Max 15+11reb+4ast, D.Ramos 15+2reb+1ast, H.John 12+15reb+1ast, S.Ichiba 8+1reb+2ast

Chiba - Ibaraki R. 66-79

There was a small surprise when eleventh ranked Robots (16-40) defeated on the road 9th ranked Chiba (18-38) 79-66 on Wednesday. Ibaraki R. made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Noboru Hasegawa (174-1996) who helped to win the game recording 19 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) and American forward Robert Franks (205-1996, college: WSU) who added 17 points during the contest. Robots' coach Chris Holm used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) responded with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 15 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and the former international guard Kotetsu Kurokawa (175-2001) scored 24 points and 7 assists. Ibaraki R. maintains eleventh position with 16-40 record. Newly promoted Chiba keeps the ninth place with 38 games lost. They share the position with Koshigaya A. and Kyoto H.. Ibaraki R. will meet higher ranked Shimane SM (#8) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Chiba will play against Sunrockers Sh. in Tokyo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba: K.Kotetsu 24+1reb+7ast, D.Pardon 20+15reb+3ast, T.Porter 8+4reb+1ast, Y.Otsuka 5+2reb, W.Leon 4+2reb, K.Takaaki 3+2reb
Ibaraki R.: N.Hasegawa 19+2reb+3ast, F.Robert 17+3reb+3ast, K.Hayate 11+1reb+3ast, A.Kento 10+1reb, R.Jingaoka 9+4reb+2ast, J.Eric 8+5reb+1ast

Alvark Tokyo - FE Nagoya 92-71

Very expected game in Tokyo where 12th ranked Fighting Eagles (17-39) were rolled over by fourth ranked Alvark (38-18) 92-71 on Wednesday. Alvark Tokyo outrebounded FE Nagoya 38-22 including a 26-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 8 rebounds and the former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) who added 10 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists during the contest. Four Alvark players scored in double figures. American Jamorko Pickett (206-1997, college: Georgetown) responded with 23 points and 4 assists and guard Ryuto Yasuoka (188-1995) scored 17 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Alvark have a solid three-game winning streak. Alvark Tokyo moved-up to third place, which they share with Chiba Jets. FE Nagoya lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 39 games lost. Alvark Tokyo will meet at home Shiga L-Stars (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. FE Nagoya will play against the league's leader Nagasaki and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: J.Pickett 23+3reb+4ast, Y.Ryuto 17+3reb, L.Francis 6+9reb+2ast, N.Namizato 6+6ast, S.Tensho 5+2reb, S.Takaya 3+5ast
Alvark Tokyo: S.Sebastian 24+8reb, D.Brandon 14+9reb+2ast, S.Ando 11+1ast, R.Ryan 10+12reb+7ast, T.Kai 7+4ast, S.Okura 7+1reb+4ast

Kawasaki BT - Ryukyu GK 71-80

Very predictable result in Kanagawa where fourth ranked Golden Kings (39-17) beat 12th ranked Brave Thunders (14-42) 80-71 on Wednesday. Ryukyu looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds and the other American import swingman Damyean Dotson (196-1994, college: Houston) who added 19 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Four Golden Kings players scored in double figures. Serbian center Dusan Ristic (213-1995, college: Arizona) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds and American center Emanuel Terry (206-1996, college: LMU) scored 7 points and 6 rebounds. Brave Thunders' coach tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Ryukyu moved-up to second place, which they share with Gunma CT. Kawasaki lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 42 games lost. They share it with Toyama G.. Ryukyu will meet at home Saga B. (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Kawasaki will play against Koshigaya A. (#10) in Tokyo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: D.Ristic 22+11reb+2ast, I.Ryo 9+1reb+2ast, Y.Jaheru 9+4reb+1ast, O.Taiga 8+1reb+5ast, E.Terry 7+6reb+2ast, R.Allen 6+3reb
Ryukyu GK: C.Jack 22+13reb+2ast, D.Damyean 19+8reb+3ast, K.Alex 17+9reb+3ast, R.Kishimoto 10+5reb+5ast, Y.Matsuwaki 6+2reb, M.Waki 6+1reb+2ast

Chiba Jets - Yokohama BC 101-77

Not a big story in a game in Chiba where 7th ranked B-Corsairs (25-31) were outplayed by third ranked Jets (38-18) 101-77 on Wednesday. Chiba Jets looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) who helped to win the game recording 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import center Garrison Brooks (208-1999, college: MSU) who added 14 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. Five Jets players scored in double figures. Filipino guard Kiefer Ravena (183-1993) responded with 24 points and 6 assists and Estonian center Maik-Kalev Kotsar (210-1996, college: S.Carolina, agency: Slash Sports) scored 10 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. 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 38-18 record having four points less than leader Nagasaki, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Loser B-Corsairs keeps the seventh place with 31 games lost. Chiba Jets will meet at home Hiroshima D. (#6) in the next round. Yokohama BC will play against Sendai 89ers and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: K.Ravena 24+2reb+6ast, G.Clark 12+6reb+1ast, M.Kotsar 10+9reb+5ast, S.Ando 9, A.Gakuto 9+1reb+1ast, M.Kenta 5+4reb+2ast
Chiba Jets: H.DJ 21+5reb+5ast, L.Nassir 19+4reb+3ast, B.Garrison 14+12reb+3ast, W.Yuta 13+5reb, T.Yuki 11+2reb+2ast, S.Hara 7+2reb+5ast

Gunma CT - Kyoto H. 84-66

Everything went according to plan in Gunma where second ranked Thunders (39-17) won against 11th ranked Hannaryz (18-38) 84-66 on Wednesday. Gunma CT looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) who helped to win the game recording 17 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and German Johannes Thiemann (206-1994) who added 10 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. point guard Reon Shibuta (176-1998) responded with 14 points and 4 assists and Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 7 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Gunma CT maintains second position with 39-17 record having just three points less than leader Nagasaki, which they share with Ryukyu. Kyoto H. lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth place with 38 games lost. They share the position with Koshigaya A. and Chiba. Gunma CT will meet Hokkaido L. (#5) in the next round. Kyoto H. will play against Osaka E. (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: R.Shibuta 14+1reb+4ast, R.Faraz 10+1reb, H.Mone 9+1reb+2ast, C.Jackson 9+2reb+2ast, T.Furukawa 7+3ast, A.Caloiaro 7+7reb+2ast
Gunma CT: B.Kerry 17+5reb+7ast, T.Johannes 10+7reb+3ast, N.Takuto 10+5ast, K.Hosokawa 9, F.Koh 9+4reb+1ast, T.Daichi 9+2reb

Nagasaki - Shimane SM 106-74

Leader Velca delivered the 44th victory. This time they crushed 8th ranked Magic (26-30) 106-74 in Nagasaki. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Magic. Nagasaki outrebounded Shimane SM 35-23 including 26 on the defensive glass. Nagasaki players were unselfish on offense dishing 30 assists. American Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. South Korean swingman Hyunjung Lee (201-2000, college: Davidson) contributed with 19 points and 9 rebounds (perfect from downtown making all five shots) for the winners. Four Velca players scored in double figures. Velca's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) replied with 15 points and 7 rebounds and point guard Yuto Nohmi (182-1997) added 14 points and 5 assists in the effort for Shimane SM. Velca have a solid three-game winning streak. Nagasaki maintains first position with 44-12 record. Shimane SM at the other side keeps the eighth place with 30 games lost. Nagasaki will play against FE Nagoya (#12) on the road in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Shimane SM will play against Ibaraki R. (#11) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Shimane SM: N.Kay 15+7reb+1ast, N.Yuto 14+3reb+5ast, U.Shunsuke 10+4reb+2ast, A.Shota 9+6ast, I.Fumiya 9+3reb+5ast, N.Taichi 8+2ast
Nagasaki: L.Hyunjung 19+9reb+1ast, B.Jarrell 19+5reb+6ast, J.Stanley 19+2reb+6ast, K.Koya 11+4reb, K.Hoshikawa 8, M.Akil 8+4reb+2ast

San-en NP - Toyama G. 94-86

There was no surprise in Hamamatsu where 13th ranked Grouses (14-42) were defeated by fifth ranked NeoPhoenix (34-22) 94-86 on Wednesday. San-en NP shot 30 for 40 from the free-throw line, while Toyama G. only scored eleven points from the stripe. San-en NP looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when San-en NP made 7 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Nigerian swingman David Nwaba (195-1993, college: Cal Poly) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds and American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) who added 19 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. 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. Australian forward Brock Motum (208-1990, college: WSU, agency: Slash Sports) responded with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists and Syrian-American guard Trey Kell III (193-1996, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) scored 19 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. San-en NP maintains fifth position with 34-22 record, which they share with Sendai 89ers. Newly promoted Toyama G. dropped to the twelfth place with 42 games lost. They share the position with Kawasaki. San-en NP will meet higher ranked Sea Horses M. (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Toyama G. will play against Akita NH (#13) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: T.Kell III 19+4reb+5ast, B.Motum 18+9reb+6ast, Y.Morin 15+2reb+2ast, O.Yuzo 7+1reb+3ast, N.Williams 6+1reb+1ast, M.Kazuki 5+3reb+1ast
San-en NP: N.David 20+11reb+1ast, M.Yante 19+8reb+1ast, J.Cameron 13+6reb+1ast, D.Nemoto 11, S.Ryusei 10+2reb+7ast, K.Tsuya 8+1reb+4ast

Osaka E. - Sea Horses M. 82-84

No shocking result in a game in Osaka where third ranked SeaHorses (40-16) edged 9th ranked Evessa (22-34) 84-82 on Wednesday. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Satoshi Nagano (175-1995) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 7 assists and American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) who added 21 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Four SeaHorses players scored in double figures. American Ryan Luther (206-1995, college: Arizona) responded with 27 points and 7 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Evessa's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. SeaHorses have an impressive five-game winning streak. Sea Horses M. maintains third position with 40-16 record having just two points less than leader Nagasaki. Loser Evessa keeps the ninth place with 34 games lost. They share the position with Shiga L-Stars. Sea Horses M. will meet at home San-en NP (#5) in the next round. Osaka E. will play against Kyoto H. (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: R.Luther 27+7reb+3ast, M.Bonds 21+10reb+4ast, K.Makoto 11+2reb+3ast, V.Gerun 8+3reb, S.Seiga 6+4reb+3ast, U.Yoshiya 3+1ast
Sea Horses M.: G.Davante 21+5reb+2ast, S.Nagano 19+3reb+7ast, L.Jake 12+9reb+1ast, Y.Nishida 12+3reb+2ast, K.Thomas 7+7reb+2ast, Y.Suda 7+4reb+2ast

Saga B. - Nagoya DD 71-66

The most important game in the last round took place in Saga between second ranked Dolphins (41-15) and seventh ranked Ballooners (30-26) on Wednesday night. Dolphins were defeated by Ballooners in a tough game on the road 66-71. The best player for the winners was Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds. American power forward Tanner Groves (208-1999, college: Oklahoma) chipped in 21 points and 5 rebounds. Four Ballooners players scored in double figures. American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists and naturalized American Kyle Richardson (200-1991, college: Portland St.) added 8 points and 15 rebounds respectively for the guests. Dolphins' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Ballooners have a solid three-game winning streak. Saga B. maintains seventh position with 30-26 record. Nagoya DD at the other side keeps the second place with 15 games lost. Saga B. are looking forward to face higher ranked Ryukyu (#4) in Okinawa in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Nagoya DD will play at home against the league's leader Tochigi Brex and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: A.Henry 18+13reb+6ast, S.Takumi 11+1reb+4ast, T.Kato 10+2reb+4ast, K.Richardson 8+15reb+3ast, I.Murphy 8+1reb, H.Jake 4
Saga B.: G.Tanner 21+5reb+1ast, G.Reynaldo 19+11reb+2ast, T.Sumida 14+4reb+6ast, D.David 11+2reb+2ast, H.Josh 6+8reb+2ast, F.Takedomi 0

Sendai 89ers - Koshigaya A. 102-78

Very expected game in Sendai where 10th ranked Alphas (18-38) were rolled over by sixth ranked 89ers (34-22) 102-78 on Wednesday. Sendai 89ers forced 20 Koshigaya A. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) who helped to win the game recording 35 points (!!!), 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 8 steals (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!) and Lebanese guard Sergio El Darwich (194-1996, college: Maine) who added 25 points during the contest. Four 89ers players scored in double figures. Guinean-French Sekou Doumbouya (206-2000) responded with 22 points and 6 rebounds and swingman Joseph Diawara (195-1998) scored 12 points and 6 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Sendai 89ers moved-up to fifth place, which they share with San-en NP. Koshigaya A. lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth position with 38 games lost. They share it with Kyoto H. and Chiba. Sendai 89ers will meet at home Yokohama BC (#7) in the next round. Koshigaya A. will play against Kawasaki and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: S.Doumbouya 22+6reb+2ast, D.Joseph 12+6reb, M.Shun 11+3reb+3ast, J.Ngatai 9+2reb+4ast, O.Takeru 8+1reb+2ast, A.Clemmons 8+4reb+3ast
Sendai 89ers: C.Jarrett 35+6reb+6ast, E.Sergio 25+2reb+3ast, O.Kazuma 14+2reb+2ast, T.Boubacar 13+14reb+1ast, Y.Araya 7+3reb+2ast, S.Funyu 3+1reb+2ast

Shiga L-Stars - Hiroshima D. 69-81

Rather predictable result in Shiga where sixth ranked Dragonflies (31-25) beat 10th ranked Lakestars (22-34) 81-69 on Wednesday. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Christopher Smith (193-1994, college: Utah St.) who helped to win the game recording 30 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import forward Nick Mayo (206-1997, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) who added 12 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists during the contest. Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds and American-German power forward Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Hiroshima D. maintains sixth position with 31-25 record. Loser Lakestars dropped to the ninth place with 34 games lost. They share the position with Osaka E.. Hiroshima D. will meet higher ranked Chiba Jets (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Shiga L-Stars will play against Alvark Tokyo (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shiga L-Stars: Z.Auguste 15+7reb+1ast, D.Nomoto 12+4reb+3ast, R.Kriener 10+8reb+2ast, T.Tahara 8+3reb+2ast, T.Wimbush 7+3reb+1ast, O.Taiki 7+1reb+1ast
Hiroshima D.: S.Christopher 30+7reb+2ast, C.Kofi 17+10reb+1ast, M.Nick 12+12reb+7ast, K.Mitani 6+1reb+3ast, I.Tatsuya 5+1reb+3ast, R.Kaine 4+1reb

Sunrockers Sh. - Tochigi Brex 68-86

Leader Tochigi Brex recorded the 42th victory on Wednesday night. This time they beat 8th ranked SunRockers (23-33) 86-68 in Tokyo. Tochigi Brex looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Worth to mention a quality performance of American center Grant Jerrett (208-1993, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import power forward Gavin Edwards (206-1988, college: UConn, agency: Octagon Europe) who added 21 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. American center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds and the former international Daiki Tanaka (193-1991) scored 15 points. Four Sunrockers Sh. players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Defending champion maintains first position with 42-14 record. Loser SunRockers keeps the eighth place with 33 games lost. Tochigi Brex 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. Sunrockers Sh. will play against Chiba (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sunrockers Sh.: T.Daiki 15+3reb+2ast, H.Jr John 12+1reb+3ast, D.Grantham 12+3reb+2ast, T.Welsh 11+12reb+3ast, R.Nozaki 6+1reb+1ast, D.Louzada 5+6reb+2ast
Tochigi Brex: J.Grant 23+7reb+4ast, E.Gavin 21+9reb+1ast, H.Makoto 11+3reb+7ast, S.Takashima 9+4reb+1ast, A.Ogawa 7+1reb+3ast, N.DJ 7+4reb+7ast