Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.
The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Shimane SM as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Shimane SM defeated 7th ranked Toyama G. at home 84-78. Strangely Toyama G. outrebounded Shimane SM 38-24 including a 28-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international guard Seiya Ando (184-1992) chipped in 18 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) during the contest. American forward Brice Johnson (206-1994, college: UNC) responded with a double-double by scoring 29 points and 11 rebounds. Toyama G.'s coach Honoo Hamaguchi rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Shimane SM (20-6) have an impressive six-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Toyama G. at the other side keeps the seventh place with 20 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Very significant was Alvark Tokyo's (#2) 82-74 road victory against one of their biggest challengers Ryukyu GK. Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) notched a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort and Taiki Osakabe supported him with 14 points and 7 assists. Even 21 points and 7 rebounds by American power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) did not help to save the game for Ryukyu GK. Ryukyu GK's coach Dai Oketani tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Alvark Tokyo (20-5) have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain second position having just three point less than leader Shimane SM. Ryukyu GK at the other side keeps the third place with six games lost. Alvark Tokyo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ryukyu GK will play again at home against the league's second-placed Alvark Tokyo and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Eighth-ranked Hokkaido L. (7-19) gave a tough game to fifth ranked FE Nagoya (15-11) in Sapporo on Saturday. The visitors from Nagoya managed to secure only two-point victory 85-83. However their fans expected easier game. The best player for the winners was Jeremy Jones who scored 19 points and 6 rebounds. Brock Motum produced 20 points and 4 assists for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. FE Nagoya moved-up to second place, which they share with Yokohama BC. Loser Hokkaido L. keeps the eighth position with 19 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
There were no shocking results in the other games in round 26: Sea Horses M. lost to Akita NH on the opponent's court 71-79. Niigata A. unfortunately lost to Osaka E. in a home game 75-86. Gunma CT managed to beat Yokohama BC on the road 81-75. Chiba Jets crushed San-en NP on its own court 100-70. Hitachi SRT was smashed by Nagoya DD in a road game 105-67. Ibaraki R. won against Shiga L-Stars at home 87-69. Tochigi Brex were outscored by Shinshu BW on the opponent's court 83-61. Kawasaki BT managed to beat Kyoto H. in a home game 89-76.
Akita NH - Sea Horses M. 79-71
The game between closely ranked teams ended with 6th ranked Sea Horses M.'s (10-16) road loss to fifth ranked Akita NH (12-14) 71-79 on Saturday. Akita NH looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American center Steve Zack (211-1992, college: La Salle) who had a double-double by scoring 10 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. Point guard Takuya Nakayama (182-1994) chipped in 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Five Akita NH players scored in double figures. American guard Anthony Lawrence II (201-1996, college: Miami, FL, agency: Pensack Sports) produced 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and his fellow American import power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) added 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Sea Horses M.'s coach Kimikazu Suzuki let to play twelve players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Akita NH moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Osaka E. Sea Horses M. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with 16 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers: Akita NH: T.Nakayama 18+7reb+7ast, S.Kidd 14+5reb+3ast, T.Furukawa 11+2reb+1ast, O.Sota 10+2reb, S.Zack 10+15reb+7ast, K.Kanter 8+2reb+1ast Sea Horses M.: A.Lawrence II 25+5reb+5ast, D.Gardner 18+9reb+4ast, K.Hashimoto 10+7reb, Y.Nishida 8+6reb+1ast, N.Satoshi 6+1reb+4ast, M.Hosoya 4+1astgschID: 999276
Niigata A. - Osaka E. 75-86
The game between closely ranked teams ended with seventh ranked Osaka E.'s (12-14) road victory over 8th ranked Niigata A. (3-23) 86-75 on Saturday. Osaka E. shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 54.2 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Niigata A.'s players. The best player for the winners was American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) who scored 25 points and 9 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Point guard Tatsuya Suzuki (169-1991) chipped in 14 points and 4 assists. Jamaican center Kofi Cockburn (213-1999, college: Illinois) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 15 rebounds and American forward Keve Aluma (206-1998, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) added 16 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. 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. Osaka E. have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Akita NH. Niigata A. lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 23 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers: Osaka E.: D.Newbill 25+1reb+9ast, T.Suzuki 14+3reb+4ast, K.Hunt 12+2reb+5ast, S.O'Mara 10+7reb+1ast, I.Brown 7+4reb+3ast, R.Goda 6+3reb+2ast Niigata A.: K.Cockburn 21+15reb+1ast, K.Aluma 16+7reb+1ast, E.Zen 13+2reb+2ast, K.Kimura 12+2reb+3ast, S.Green 8+3reb+2ast, S.Reon 3+1rebgschID: 999277
Hokkaido L. - FE Nagoya 83-85
Eighth-ranked Hokkaido L. (7-19) gave a tough game to fifth ranked FE Nagoya (15-11) in Sapporo on Saturday. The visitors from Nagoya managed to secure only two-point victory 85-83. However their fans expected easier game. The best player for the winners was American forward Jeremy Jones (201-1996, college: Gonzaga) who scored 19 points and 6 rebounds. The other American import power forward Johnathan Williams III (206-1995, college: Gonzaga) chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds. Australian forward Brock Motum (208-1990, college: WSU) produced 20 points and 4 assists and American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) added 17 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. FE Nagoya moved-up to second place, which they share with Yokohama BC. Loser Hokkaido L. keeps the eighth position with 19 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers: FE Nagoya: J.Jones 19+6reb+1ast, J.Williams III 16+7reb+2ast, L.Evans 13+4reb+3ast, A.Randall 12+3reb+4ast, N.Hiromu 10+1ast, T.Sasayama 9+2reb+4ast Hokkaido L.: B.Motum 20+2reb+4ast, S.Long 17+5reb, A.Murphy 14+5reb+2ast, N.Tsukasa 13+4reb+2ast, R.Sakurai 7+2reb+2ast, R.Hashimoto 7+3reb+9astgschID: 999278
Shimane SM - Toyama G. 84-78
The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Shimane SM as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Shimane SM defeated 7th ranked Toyama G. at home 84-78. Strangely Toyama G. outrebounded Shimane SM 38-24 including a 28-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international guard Seiya Ando (184-1992) chipped in 18 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) during the contest. American forward Brice Johnson (206-1994, college: UNC) responded with a double-double by scoring 29 points and 11 rebounds and his fellow American import center Joshua Smith (208-1992, college: Georgetown) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Toyama G.'s coach Honoo Hamaguchi rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Shimane SM (20-6) have an impressive six-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Toyama G. at the other side keeps the seventh place with 20 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers: Shimane SM: P.Buford 18+11reb+9ast, S.Ando 18+3reb+3ast, N.Kay 13+2reb+2ast, D.Taniguchi 12+1reb, R.Abe 9+1reb+4ast, T.Shota 6+3ast Toyama G.: B.Johnson 29+11reb+3ast, J.Smith 16+11reb+4ast, K.Matsui 6, K.Hareyama 6+4reb+2ast, C.Demps 6+4reb+5ast, S.Faye 5+3reb+1astgschID: 999279
Yokohama BC - Gunma CT 75-81
We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when second-ranked Yokohama BC (15-11) was defeated at home by third ranked Gunma CT (14-10) 81-75 on Saturday. Gunma CT looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) who had a double-double by scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. The other American import center Kaleb Tarczewski (212-1993, college: Arizona) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. American Devin Oliver (204-1992, college: Dayton) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 14 rebounds and Czech Patrik Auda (204-1989, college: Seton Hall, agency: Octagon Europe) added 15 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. 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. Gunma CT maintains third position with 14-10 record having 2 victories less than leader Shimane SM. Loser Yokohama BC keeps the second place with 11 games lost. They share the position with FE Nagoya. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers: Gunma CT: T.McKinney-Jones 23+10reb+9ast, M.Parker 16+7reb+1ast, K.Tarczewski 15+10reb+1ast, N.Namizato 10+6ast, J.Keenan 7+4reb+2ast, A.Chambers 5+4reb+1ast Yokohama BC: P.Auda 15+9reb+2ast, C.Jackson 13+10reb+1ast, D.Oliver 12+14reb+1ast, M.Morikawa 10+1reb, K.Yuki 8+3reb+14ast, K.King 7+1astgschID: 999280
Chiba Jets - San-en NP 100-70
Everything went according to plan when first ranked Chiba Jets (21-4) outscored at home 5th ranked San-en NP (11-14) 100-70 on Saturday. Chiba Jets made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. Chiba Jets outrebounded San-en NP 50-35 including a 34-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds. Center Kyle O'Quinn (206-1990, college: Norfolk St., agency: Pensack Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and center Isaiah Hicks (206-1994, college: UNC) added 17 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. 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. Chiba Jets have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 21-4 record. Loser San-en NP keeps the fifth place with 14 games lost. They share the position with Tochigi Brex. Chiba Jets will again meet at home San-en NP (#5) in the next round. San-en NP will have a break next round. Top scorers: Chiba Jets: C.Smith 21+3reb+1ast, Y.Togashi 17+1reb+2ast, J.Mooney 14+14reb+2ast, V.Law 14+14reb+5ast, F.Nishimura 13+1reb+1ast, S.Hara 9+3reb+2ast San-en NP: I.Hicks 17+5reb+3ast, K.O'Quinn 16+10reb, H.Kazuki 12+4reb+3ast, F.Ravena 10+1reb+3ast, S.Ryusei 7+4ast, D.Giddens 3+7rebgschID: 999281
Nagoya DD - Hitachi SRT 105-67
We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when one of their biggest challengers Hitachi SRT (11-13) was outplayed on the road by fourth ranked Nagoya DD (19-7) 105-67 on Saturday. Nagoya DD dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Hitachi SRT's 38. They outrebounded Hitachi SRT 46-23 including a 35-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Nagoya DD looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Hitachi SRT's players. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas) who had a double-double by scoring 25 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. Power forward Scott Eatherton (206-1991, college: Northeastern, agency: BeoBasket) chipped in 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!). Forward James McAdoo (206-1993, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) produced 15 points and 6 rebounds and Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke) added 16 points respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Nagoya DD maintains fourth position with 19-7 record which they share with defeated Hitachi SRT. Hitachi SRT lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth place with 13 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers: Nagoya DD: C.Clarke 25+10reb+9ast, S.Eatherton 15+9reb+5ast, Y.Suda 10+1reb+2ast, T.Nakahigashi 10+5reb+2ast, M.Ndour 9+4reb+1ast, T.Harimoto 8+3reb+1ast Hitachi SRT: R.Kelly 16+2reb+2ast, J.McAdoo 15+6reb+1ast, K.Jones 9+4reb, K.Tsuya 9+2reb, L.Vendrame 7+2reb+2ast, G.Kojima 5+2reb+3astgschID: 999282
Ibaraki R. - Shiga L-Stars 87-69
The game between closely ranked teams ended with seventh ranked Ibaraki R.'s (9-17) home victory over 8th ranked Shiga L-Stars (4-22) 87-69 on Saturday. Ibaraki R. looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Shiga L-Stars' players. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was Eric Jacobsen (208-1994, college: Arizona St.) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists. Forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists. Four Ibaraki R. players scored in double figures. Forward Jordan Hamilton (201-1990, college: Texas) produced 26 points and 7 rebounds and forward Kelvin Martin (196-1989, college: Charleston So.) added 13 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ibaraki R. have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place. Shiga L-Stars lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 22 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers: Ibaraki R.: E.Jacobsen 17+12reb+8ast, A.Hirao 13+1reb+5ast, C.Tapscott 11+5reb+10ast, A.Tajima 10+1ast, Y.Hayato 10+7reb+2ast, N.Kohei 8+2ast Shiga L-Stars: J.Hamilton 26+7reb+1ast, K.Martin 13+5reb+1ast, D.Doblas 10+5reb+2ast, K.Isaac Ravena 8+2reb+5ast, Y.Karino 5+2reb, H.Kyosuke 3gschID: 999283
Shinshu BW - Tochigi Brex 83-61
Everything could happen in Nagano at the game between two tied teams. Both fourth ranked Shinshu BW and their close opponent Tochigi Brex had identical 11-13 record. This time Shinshu BW used a home court advantage and crushed the opponent from Tochigi 83-61 on Saturday night. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Yuta Okada (189-1998) who scored 27 points. American forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) chipped in 24 points and 7 rebounds. American center Grant Jerrett (208-1993, college: Arizona) produced 17 points and 4 assists and his fellow American import power forward Josh Scott (208-1993, college: Colorado, agency: Pensack Sports) added 10 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Tochigi Brex's coach gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Shinshu BW (12-13) moved-up to third place. Defending champion Tochigi Brex dropped to the fifth position with 14 games lost. They share it with San-en NP. Shinshu BW will again meet at home Tochigi Brex (#5) in the next round. Tochigi Brex will have a break next round. Top scorers: Shinshu BW: O.Yuta 27+4reb+3ast, J.Hawkinson 24+7reb+1ast, W.Mosley 12+14reb+3ast, L.Kurihara 7+5reb, K.Ko 5+2reb+7ast, K.Mitsui 3+1reb+2ast Tochigi Brex: G.Jerrett 17+3reb+4ast, Y.Endo 11+1reb+2ast, J.Scott 10+10reb, K.Takeuchi 8+6reb+1ast, M.Hiejima 5+2reb, S.Kitagawa 5+2reb+1astgschID: 999284
Kawasaki BT - Kyoto H. 89-76
Very predictable result in Kanagawa where first ranked Kawasaki BT (16-10) defeated 6th ranked Kyoto H. (11-15) 89-76 on Saturday. Kawasaki BT forced 20 Kyoto H. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. The best player for the winners was the former international power forward Nick Fazekas (211-1985, college: Nevada) who had a double-double by scoring 32 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. American power forward Michael Young (206-1994, college: Pittsburgh) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists. Four Kawasaki BT players scored in double figures. American forward Jarrod Uthoff (203-1993, college: Iowa) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and Mali power forward Cheick Diallo (206-1996, college: Kansas) added 17 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kawasaki BT maintains first position with 16-10 record. Loser Kyoto H. dropped to the seventh place with 15 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Top scorers: Kawasaki BT: N.Fazekas 32+10reb+7ast, J.Heath 20+9reb, M.Young 14+7reb+11ast, N.Kumagae 11+4reb, Y.Fujii 6+3reb+3ast, R.Shinoyama 6+5reb+4ast Kyoto H.: C.Diallo 17+9reb, J.Uthoff 16+11reb+4ast, N.Gadson 14+4reb, M.Wright 8+6reb+2ast, R.Aoki 6+1reb, K.Mizuno 5+4astgschID: 999285
Ryukyu GK - Alvark Tokyo 74-82
Very significant was Alvark Tokyo's (#2) 82-74 road victory against one of their biggest challengers Ryukyu GK. Alvark Tokyo made 20-of-24 charity shots (83.3 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Ryukyu GK was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) notched a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort and Taiki Osakabe (187-1998) supported him with 14 points and 7 assists. Even 21 points and 7 rebounds by American power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) did not help to save the game for Ryukyu GK. The former international guard Ryuichi Kishimoto (176-1990) added 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the hosts. Five Alvark Tokyo and four Ryukyu GK players scored in double figures. Ryukyu GK's coach Dai Oketani tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Alvark Tokyo (20-5) have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain second position having just three point less than leader Shimane SM. Ryukyu GK at the other side keeps the third place with six games lost. Alvark Tokyo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ryukyu GK will play again at home against the league's second-placed Alvark Tokyo and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Alvark Tokyo: S.Saiz 19+10reb+2ast, R.Rossiter 18+3reb+1ast, O.Taiki 14+4reb+7ast, S.Ando 13+4ast, J.Cobbs 12+3reb+7ast, A.Kirk 4+4reb Ryukyu GK: A.Durham 21+7reb+1ast, J.Cooley 15+5reb, R.Kishimoto 14+6reb+5ast, K.Imamura 13+2reb+6ast, J.Duncan 7+9reb+2ast, K.Flippin 2+1reb+2astgschID: 1055431
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