B1 League Round 58 (Regular Season): Hokkaido L. defeat Gunma CT in the closest game of the week

There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in B1 League. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 58 in the B1 League took place in Sapporo. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of much higher ranked Thunders (40-18) to fifth ranked Sapporo (36-22) 83-81 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Thunders. Hokkaido L. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. International guard Keisei Tominaga (188-2001, college: Nebraska) scored 28 points and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) chipped in 20 points during the contest. At the losing side German Johannes Thiemann (206-1994) responded with 28 points (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!). Thunders' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Hokkaido L. maintains fifth position with 36-22 record. Gunma CT at the other side keeps the second place with 18 games lost. They share the position with Alvark Tokyo and Chiba Jets. Hokkaido L. are looking forward to face higher ranked Alvark Tokyo (#4) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Gunma CT will play against Sendai 89ers and is hoping to win this game.
Fifth-ranked NeoPhoenix (34-24) gave a tough game to third ranked SeaHorses (42-16) in Kariya. SeaHorses managed to secure only three-point victory 76-73. However their fans expected easier game. American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) notched 22 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and Thomas Kennedy supported him with 20 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Even 23 points and 8 rebounds by American-Nigerian swingman David Nwaba (195-1993, college: Cal Poly) did not help to save the game for San-en NP. NeoPhoenix's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. SeaHorses have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Sea Horses M. moved-up to second place. San-en NP at the other side keeps the fifth position with 24 games lost. Sea Horses M. will play against Koshigaya A. (#9) in Tokyo in the next round and are hoping to win another game. San-en NP will play at home against Nagoya DD (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Nagoya. Their biggest opponent host Dolphins (41-17) lost to first ranked Tochigi Brex (44-14) 90-74. Grant Jerrett fired a double-double by scoring 26 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Aaron Henry produced 16 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tochigi Brex have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 44-14 record. Nagoya DD lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the third place with 17 games lost. They share the position with Ryukyu. Tochigi Brex will meet at home Ryukyu (#4) in the next round. Nagoya DD will play against San-en NP in Hamamatsu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 58: Shiga L-Stars lost to Alvark Tokyo on the opponent's court 77-87. Chiba Jets managed to outperform Hiroshima D. in a home game 88-74. Kawasaki recorded a loss to Koshigaya A. on the road 89-79. Kyoto H. was defeated by Osaka E. on its own court 83-92. Nagasaki smashed FE Nagoya in a road game 91-69. Ryukyu won against Saga B. at home 96-91. Yokohama BC managed to outperform Sendai 89ers on the opponent's court 86-75. Shimane SM managed to beat Ibaraki R. in a home game 81-69. Chiba defeated Sunrockers Sh. on the road 87-85. Toyama G. beat Akita NH on its own court 94-77.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists by Trey Kell III of Toyama G..



Alvark Tokyo - Shiga L-Stars 87-77

Very expected game in Tokyo where 10th ranked Lakestars (22-36) were defeated by fourth ranked Alvark (40-18) 87-77 on Sunday. Alvark Tokyo made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Shiga L-Stars' players. The former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) fired 5 points, 9 rebounds and 14 assists for the winners. American-Ugandan center Brandon Davies (208-1991, college: BYU) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. American forward Thomas Wimbush (201-1993, college: Fairmont St., agency: Slash Sports) produced 20 points and 9 rebounds and Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) added 17 points respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Alvark have an impressive five-game winning streak. Alvark Tokyo moved-up to second place, which they share with Chiba Jets and Gunma CT. Shiga L-Stars lost third consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with 36 games lost. Alvark Tokyo will meet Hokkaido L. (#5) in the next round. Shiga L-Stars will play against Sunrockers Sh. (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: D.Brandon 15+5reb, S.Sebastian 13+5reb, F.Marcus 13+1reb, S.Ando 10+2reb+2ast, T.Kai 9+2ast, K.Fukuzawa 7+1reb
Shiga L-Stars: T.Wimbush 20+9reb+1ast, R.Kriener 19+5reb, Z.Auguste 17+4reb+3ast, D.Nomoto 10+1reb+4ast, T.Tahara 7+4reb+1ast, O.Taiki 4+3reb+4ast

Chiba Jets - Hiroshima D. 88-74

Rather predictable result in Chiba where third ranked Jets (40-18) defeated 6th ranked Dragonflies (31-27) 88-74 on Sunday. Chiba Jets looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) fired 26 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. The other American import forward Nassir Little (199-2000, college: UNC, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 22 points and 7 rebounds. American guard Christopher Smith (193-1994, college: Utah St.) produced 20 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and Jamaican center Kofi Cockburn (213-1999, college: Illinois) added 20 points and 12 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Hiroshima D. players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Jets have a solid three-game winning streak. Chiba Jets moved-up to second place, which they share with Alvark Tokyo and Gunma CT. Loser Dragonflies keeps the sixth position with 27 games lost. Chiba Jets' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Chiba Chiba.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: H.DJ 26+6reb+7ast, L.Nassir 22+7reb+2ast, W.Yuta 13+6reb+3ast, R.Kanechika 8+3reb+2ast, T.Naoki 7+2reb, T.Yuki 5+1reb+4ast
Hiroshima D.: C.Smith 20+9reb+5ast, K.Cockburn 20+12reb+1ast, N.Mayo 16+6reb+4ast, M.Keijiro 10+1reb+2ast, Y.Ryo 3+1reb+2ast, M.Ichikawa 3

Nagoya DD - Tochigi Brex 74-90

The game between Top Four teams took place in Nagoya. Their biggest opponent host Dolphins (41-17) lost to first ranked Tochigi Brex (44-14) 90-74. Tochigi Brex shot 61.5 percent from the field and made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American center Grant Jerrett (208-1993, college: Arizona) fired a double-double by scoring 26 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. The other American import guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) chipped in 9 points, 10 assists and 4 steals. American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) produced 16 points and 7 rebounds and naturalized American Kyle Richardson (200-1991, college: Portland St.) added 13 points and 11 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Nagoya DD players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tochigi Brex have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 44-14 record. Nagoya DD lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the third place with 17 games lost. They share the position with Ryukyu. Tochigi Brex will meet at home Ryukyu (#4) in the next round. Nagoya DD will play against San-en NP in Hamamatsu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: J.Grant 26+12reb+5ast, A.Ogawa 11+2ast, E.Gavin 10+5reb+2ast, N.DJ 9+3reb+10ast, H.Makoto 9+2reb+2ast, S.Takashima 7+2reb
Nagoya DD: A.Henry 16+7reb+2ast, T.Sato 15+1ast, K.Richardson 13+11reb+1ast, S.Takumi 11+1reb+6ast, H.Jake 8+1reb+1ast, H.Tenketsu 5+3reb

Hokkaido L. - Gunma CT 83-81

The most exciting game of round 58 in the B1 League took place in Sapporo. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of much higher ranked Thunders (40-18) to fifth ranked Sapporo (36-22) 83-81 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Thunders. Hokkaido L. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. International guard Keisei Tominaga (188-2001, college: Nebraska) scored 28 points and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) chipped in 20 points during the contest. At the losing side German Johannes Thiemann (206-1994) responded with 28 points (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!) and American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) scored 16 points and 6 rebounds. Four Gunma CT players scored in double figures. Thunders' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Hokkaido L. maintains fifth position with 36-22 record. Gunma CT at the other side keeps the second place with 18 games lost. They share the position with Alvark Tokyo and Chiba Jets. Hokkaido L. are looking forward to face higher ranked Alvark Tokyo (#4) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Gunma CT will play against Sendai 89ers and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: T.Keisei 28+2reb+5ast, J.Kevin 20+3reb+1ast, H.John 15+5reb+2ast, S.Ichiba 7+2reb+1ast, R.Shimatani 4+2reb+9ast, H.Max 4+8reb+2ast
Gunma CT: J.Thiemann 28+3reb+2ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 16+6reb+2ast, H.Kazuki 12+1ast, T.Naoto 11+2reb+4ast, T.Nakamura 6+1reb+3ast, A.Edu 4+5reb+2ast

Koshigaya A. - Kawasaki BT 89-79

Not a big story in a game in Tokyo where 12th ranked Brave Thunders (14-44) were defeated by ninth ranked Alphas (20-38) 89-79 on Sunday. Koshigaya A. made 30-of-39 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game, while Kawasaki only scored fourteen points from the stripe. Filipino-American center Kai Sotto (220-2002) fired a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Guinean-French Sekou Doumbouya (206-2000) chipped in 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Alphas players scored in double figures. Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) produced 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and Serbian center Dusan Ristic (213-1995, college: Arizona) added 18 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Koshigaya A. maintains ninth position with 20-38 record. Kawasaki lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth place with 44 games lost. Koshigaya A. will meet league's second-placed Sea Horses M. in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Kawasaki will play against Yokohama BC (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: S.Kai 20+12reb+1ast, D.Sekou 19+8reb+5ast, C.Anthony 15+3reb+4ast, S.Matsuyama 12+2reb+3ast, Y.Ikeda 9+2reb+3ast, N.Jordan 8+3reb+3ast
Kawasaki BT: R.Allen 23+7reb+4ast, D.Ristic 18+8reb+2ast, S.Ryusei 9+4ast, O.Taiga 8+1reb+7ast, I.Ryo 7, Y.Reoto 5+2reb+3ast

Kyoto H. - Osaka E. 83-92

Everything went according to plan in Kyoto where ninth ranked Evessa (23-35) beat 11th ranked Hannaryz (19-39) 92-83 on Sunday. Osaka E. looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American-Filipino guard Ray Parks (193-1993, agency: Slash Sports) fired 28 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) chipped in 16 points and 4 assists. Four Evessa players scored in double figures. Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) produced 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) added 22 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Osaka E. maintains ninth position with 23-35 record. Loser Hannaryz dropped to the tenth place with 39 games lost. They share the position with Chiba. Osaka E. will meet Ibaraki R. (#11) in the next round. Kyoto H. will play against the league's leader Nagasaki having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: P.Ray 28+1reb+1ast, B.Matt 16+4reb+4ast, G.Volodymyr 11+7reb+3ast, M.Kinoshita 11+2ast, L.Ryan 7+3reb+4ast, Y.Aoki 6+1ast
Kyoto H.: A.Caloiaro 24+6reb+5ast, C.Jackson 22+8reb+2ast, O.Asato 20+2reb+4ast, J.Heath 6+5reb+2ast, I.Brown 4+4reb+1ast, T.Furukawa 3+1ast

FE Nagoya - Nagasaki 69-91

There was no surprise in Nagoya where 12th ranked Fighting Eagles (17-41) were outplayed by first ranked Velca (46-12) 91-69 on Sunday. Nagasaki forced 19 FE Nagoya turnovers. They shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 51.7 percentage. Nagasaki looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American Stanley Johnson (201-1996, college: Arizona) fired 26 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. International Yudai Baba (196-1995) chipped in 16 points. American power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier, agency: Diamond Sports) produced 16 points and 5 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and his fellow American import Jamorko Pickett (206-1997, college: Georgetown) added 12 points and 5 rebounds 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. Velca have an impressive five-game winning streak. Nagasaki maintains first position with 46-12 record. FE Nagoya lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh place with 41 games lost. They share the position with Ibaraki R.. Nagasaki will meet at home Kyoto H. (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. FE Nagoya will play against Shimane SM and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: J.Stanley 26+9reb+5ast, B.Yudai 16+3reb+3ast, K.Ko 10+5ast, Y.Hayato 9+2reb+2ast, B.Jarrell 9+6reb+2ast, M.Akil 6+2reb+6ast
FE Nagoya: S.O'Mara 16+4reb+5ast, J.Pickett 12+5reb, H.Daichi 12+2reb, L.Francis 8+1reb+1ast, Y.Ryuto 7+6reb+2ast, T.Hikaru 7+1reb+1ast

Ryukyu GK - Saga B. 96-91

No shocking result in a game in Okinawa where fourth ranked Golden Kings (41-17) won against 7th ranked Ballooners (30-28) 96-91 on Sunday. Ryukyu made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. American forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) fired 23 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. The other American import power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. Golden Kings' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American power forward Tanner Groves (208-1999, college: Oklahoma) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds and point guard Taiki Sumida (182-1999) added 23 points and 7 assists respectively for lost side. Five Ryukyu and four Saga B. players scored in double figures. Golden Kings have a solid three-game winning streak. Ryukyu moved-up to third place, which they share with Nagoya DD. Loser Ballooners keeps the seventh position with 28 games lost. Ryukyu will meet league's leader Tochigi Brex on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Saga B. will play against Akita NH (#13) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: L.Victor 23+9reb+1ast, C.Jack 17+10reb+2ast, R.Kishimoto 14+1reb+3ast, Y.Matsuwaki 12+3ast, K.Alex 12+7reb+1ast, D.Damyean 11+4reb+2ast
Saga B.: S.Taiki 23+2reb+7ast, T.Groves 20+12reb+1ast, R.Garcia 20+5reb+5ast, D.Dudzinski 14+6reb, A.Ryo 8+2reb+3ast, I.Ryota 6+2ast

Sea Horses M. - San-en NP 76-73

Fifth-ranked NeoPhoenix (34-24) gave a tough game to third ranked SeaHorses (42-16) in Kariya. SeaHorses managed to secure only three-point victory 76-73. However their fans expected easier game. American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) notched 22 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import forward Thomas Kennedy (201-1987, college: Detroit) supported him with 20 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Even 23 points and 8 rebounds by American-Nigerian swingman David Nwaba (195-1993, college: Cal Poly) did not help to save the game for San-en NP. American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) added 16 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. NeoPhoenix's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. SeaHorses have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Sea Horses M. moved-up to second place. San-en NP at the other side keeps the fifth position with 24 games lost. Sea Horses M. will play against Koshigaya A. (#9) in Tokyo in the next round and are hoping to win another game. San-en NP will play at home against Nagoya DD (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: G.Davante 22+6reb+3ast, K.Thomas 20+2reb+1ast, L.Jake 12+4reb+1ast, S.Nagano 8+2reb+4ast, Y.Nishida 7+7reb+3ast, I.Kosuke 3+1reb
San-en NP: D.Nwaba 23+8reb+2ast, Y.Maten 16+8reb+1ast, Y.Hirotaka 11+3reb+1ast, T.Kazuma 9+2reb+1ast, W.Hayato 8+3reb+1ast, O.Sota 6+2reb+7ast

Sendai 89ers - Yokohama BC 75-86

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Sendai where 6th ranked 89ers (35-23) were defeated by seventh ranked B-Corsairs (26-32) 86-75 on Sunday. Yokohama BC looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American Gary Clark (198-1994, college: Cincinnati) fired 24 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Estonian center Maik-Kalev Kotsar (210-1996, college: S.Carolina, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Five B-Corsairs players scored in double figures. American guard Jarrett Culver (198-1999, college: Texas Tech) produced 29 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and Lebanese guard Sergio El Darwich (194-1996, college: Maine) added 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Yokohama BC maintains seventh position with 26-32 record. Loser 89ers keep the sixth place with 23 games lost. Yokohama BC will meet at home Kawasaki (#12) in the next round where they are favorite. Sendai 89ers will play against the league's second-placed Gunma CT (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: C.Gary 24+8reb+1ast, R.Kiefer 13+1reb+3ast, I.Damien 11+4reb+5ast, K.Maik-Kalev 11+12reb+7ast, A.Seiya 10+4reb+1ast, K.Kai 8+1ast
Sendai 89ers: J.Culver 29+8reb+4ast, S.El Darwich 12+7reb+4ast, B.Toure 12+10reb, Y.Sugiura 7+2reb, W.Shota 6, F.Seiya 5+2reb+4ast

Shimane SM - Ibaraki R. 81-69

Rather predictable result in Shimane where eighth ranked Magic (27-31) defeated 11th ranked Robots (17-41) 81-69 on Sunday. Shimane SM looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in 16 points and 8 rebounds. American forward Robert Franks (205-1996, college: WSU) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds and his fellow American import Eric Jacobsen (208-1994, college: Arizona St.) added 8 points and 12 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Shimane SM and four Ibaraki R. players scored in double figures. Robots' coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Shimane SM maintains eighth position with 27-31 record. Loser Robots keeps the eleventh place with 41 games lost. They share the position with FE Nagoya. Shimane SM will meet at home FE Nagoya (#12) in the next round. Ibaraki R. will play against Osaka E. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shimane SM: K.Nick 17+13reb+6ast, C.Coty 16+8reb+2ast, T.Nakamura 13+3reb+1ast, Y.Nohmi 12+1reb+5ast, F.Iio 10+5reb+2ast, S.Ueda 7+3reb+1ast
Ibaraki R.: R.Franks 14+10reb+3ast, T.Schneider 14+7reb, H.Komasawa 11+1reb+3ast, H.Noboru 10+4reb+4ast, E.Jacobsen 8+12reb+2ast, K.Akama 6+1reb

Sunrockers Sh. - Chiba 85-87

There was a minor upset in Tokyo where 8th ranked SunRockers (24-34) were edged by tenth ranked Chiba (19-39) 87-85 on Sunday. It was a great shooting night for Chiba especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 60.0 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. American forward Trey Porter (210-1996, college: Nevada, agency: JCK Sports Group) fired 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. The other American import center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) chipped in 16 points and 6 assists (perfect from the field making all six shots). Chiba's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) produced 21 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) and the former international point guard Leo Vendrame (183-1993) added 18 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Newly promoted Chiba maintains tenth position with 19-39 record, which they share with Kyoto H. Loser SunRockers keeps the eighth place with 34 games lost. Chiba's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Chiba to the arena Chiba Jets.
Top scorers:
Chiba: P.Trey 20+7reb, P.Dererk 16+4reb+6ast, K.Kurokawa 15+3reb+6ast, O.Yuto 9, E.Luke 9+8reb+3ast, T.Kida 7+1reb+5ast
Sunrockers Sh.: J.Hawkinson 21+5reb+3ast, V.Leo 18+4reb+4ast, D.Grantham 12+3reb+3ast, D.Louzada 8+3reb+2ast, H.Jr John 8+2reb+3ast, R.Nozaki 6+2reb+2ast

Toyama G. - Akita NH 94-77

There was a small surprise in Toyama where thirteenth ranked Grouses (16-42) beat their close opponent Happinets (10-48) 94-77 on Sunday. Toyama G. dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Happinets's 28 and made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. Toyama G. outrebounded Akita NH 39-28 including 25 on the defensive glass. Toyama G. looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Syrian-American guard Trey Kell III (193-1996, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) fired 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!) for the winners. French power forward Yannis Morin (208-1993, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in 27 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). New Zealand-German center Yannick Wetzell (206-1996, college: SDSU) produced 16 points and guard Kanji Takahira (185-1993) added 15 points (perfect from the field making all six shots) respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Newly promoted Toyama G. maintains thirteenth position with 16-42 record which they share with defeated Akita NH. Akita NH lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with 48 games lost. Toyama G. will meet higher ranked Hiroshima D. (#6) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Akita NH will play against Saga B. (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: M.Yannis 27+4reb+2ast, K.Trey 25+5reb+5ast, M.Brock 14+8reb+1ast, W.Nyika 10+13reb, Y.Okada 7+3reb+7ast, U.Naoki 6+4reb+5ast
Akita NH: Y.Wetzell 16+4reb+2ast, T.Kanji 15+2reb+1ast, I.Yori 13+3reb, K.Pinder 10+2reb+1ast, K.Tsubasa 9+1reb+3ast, S.Teru 5+2reb+3ast