Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.
The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Tokyo: Yokohama EX (#5) and Tokyo Utd (#6). Yokohama EX (31-9) smashed visiting Tokyo Utd (23-17) by 23 points 96-73. Yokohama EX dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Tokyo Utd's 36. They outrebounded Tokyo Utd 46-35 including 34 on the defensive glass. Yokohama EX looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. American center Ryan Stephan (208-1994, college: CMU) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists (on 13-of-15 shooting from the field). The other American import swingman LJ Peak (196-1996, college: Georgetown, agency: Pensack Sports) contributed with 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American swingman Michael Craig (196-1991, college: Southern Miss) replied with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for Tokyo Utd. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Yokohama EX have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place. Tokyo Utd lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth position with 17 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Another interesting game was again a derby between two teams from Tokyo: Yokohama EX (#5) and Tokyo Utd (#6). Yokohama EX (31-9) won against visiting Tokyo Utd (23-17) 87-76. American forward Jordan Faison (201-1994, college: CPP) had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and LJ Peak chipped in 22 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. American swingman Michael Craig (196-1991, college: Southern Miss) responded with 25 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Yokohama EX have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place. Tokyo Utd lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth position with 17 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
An interesting game for Saitama (32-7) which played road game in Renova against 4th ranked Kagoshima (30-9). Third ranked Saitama managed to get a 6-point victory 97-91. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Kagoshima. Ryan Watkins notched a double-double by scoring 25 points and 15 rebounds to lead the effort. Even 36 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds by Anthony Gaines Jr did not help to save the game for Kagoshima. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Saitama have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 32-7 record having just three points less than leader Shizuoka. Kagoshima at the other side dropped to the fifth place with nine games lost. Saitama will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kagoshima will play again against Saitama (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
There were no big surprises in other games of round 38: Kanazawa beat Shinagawa on the road 82-73. Shizuoka won against Toyoda on its own court 86-82. Tokyo HT unfortunately lost to Shanan Utd in Kanagawa 63-69. Shanan Utd recorded a loss to Tokyo HT at home 65-82. Yamaguchi crushed Okayama on the opponent's court 91-72. Gifu was smashed by Iwate in a home game 71-97. Veertien Mie lost to Tachikawa on the road 74-81. Bottom-ranked Shinagawa unfortunately lost to Kanazawa on its own court 79-84.
The most impressive performance of 38th round was 31 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists by AJ Bramah of Shinagawa.
Shinagawa - Kanazawa 73-82
No shocking result in a game when fourteenth ranked Kanazawa (12-28) beat on the road bottom-ranked Shinagawa (3-37) 82-73 on Friday. Ukrainian forward Oleksandr Antypov (203-1995, agency: BIG) notched a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead the effort and Ukrainian point guard Igor Boyarkin (182-1995, agency: BIG) supported him with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists. Even a double-double of 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists by American forward AJ Bramah (201-1999, college: Nevada) did not help to save the game for Shinagawa. Canadian center Renaldo Dixon (206-1990, college: NM State) added 18 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Shinagawa's coach rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Kanazawa moved-up to thirteenth place. Shinagawa lost fourth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 37 lost games. Kanazawa will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Shinagawa will play again against Kanazawa (#13) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shinagawa: R.Dixon 18+7reb+1ast, A.Bramah 18+10reb+4ast, S.Yuto 14+5reb+1ast, T.Ikumi 12+2reb+2ast, R.Shimizu 5, M.St.Fort 4+6reb
Kanazawa: I.Boyarkin 22+5reb+9ast, O.Antypov 22+12reb+2ast, K.Takuto 15+4reb, O.Akitoshi 11+5reb+3ast, T.Shodai 6+5reb+3ast, K.Tomoki 6+4reb+1astgschID: 1009082
Shizuoka - Toyoda 86-82
Very expected game when 8th ranked Toyoda (16-23) lost on the road to first ranked Shizuoka (35-4) 86-82 on Saturday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. American center Kenny Lawson (207-1988, college: Creighton) notched a double-double by scoring 21 points and 15 rebounds to lead the effort and Argentinian forward Alexis Elsener (195-1988, agency: Interperformances) supported him with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Elsener is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Shizuoka players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds by Australian center Andrew Ferguson (213-1998, college: CS Monterey) did not help to save the game for Toyoda. Point guard Ren Takemura (170-1995) added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Shizuoka have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 35-4 record. Toyoda at the other side keeps the eighth place with 23 games lost. Shizuoka will again meet at home Toyoda (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Toyoda will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Toyoda: I.Hajime 20+2reb+1ast, A.Ferguson 17+14reb+2ast, T.Ren 16+6reb+7ast, T.Shunsuke 9+1ast, H.Higuchi 8+9reb, U.Kenshin 6+3reb
Shizuoka: K.Lawson 21+15reb+1ast, A.Elsener 19+7reb+3ast, Y.Kentaro 13+1reb+4ast, R.Otomo 10+1reb+1ast, A.Grahita 10+1reb+1ast, A.Yamada 5+2rebgschID: 1009084
Shanan Utd - Tokyo HT 69-63
Everything could happen in Kanagawa at the game between two tied teams. Both tenth ranked Shanan Utd and 12th ranked Tokyo HT had identical 13-26 record. This time Shanan Utd used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Tokyo 69-63 on Friday night. American center Joshua Crawford (211-1988, college: Indiana St.) notched a double-double by scoring 25 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks to lead the effort and the other American import forward Chris Olivier (202-1992, college: OK State, agency: Octagon Europe) supported him with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Even a double-double of 18 points and 17 rebounds by American power forward John Fields (205-1988, college: Tennessee, agency: Octagon Europe) did not help to save the game for Tokyo HT. Spanish center David Doblas (208-1981) added 17 points and 7 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Newly promoted Shanan Utd maintains tenth position with 14-26 record. Tokyo HT at the other side keeps the twelfth place with 27 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Tokyo HT: J.Fields 18+17reb, D.Doblas 17+7reb+1ast, D.Bamba 11+5reb, J.Baker 6+4reb+1ast, H.Ogane 6+1reb+2ast, O.Yusaku 3+3reb+1ast
Shanan Utd: J.Crawford 25+12reb+1ast, S.Taira 10+2reb+4ast, C.Olivier 9+5reb+7ast, K.Nakano 8+3reb+1ast, P.Abu 6+3reb+1ast, T.Shinya 4+7rebgschID: 1009086
Yokohama EX - Tokyo Utd 96-73
The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Tokyo: Yokohama EX (#5) and Tokyo Utd (#6). Yokohama EX (31-9) smashed visiting Tokyo Utd (23-17) by 23 points 96-73. Yokohama EX dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Tokyo Utd's 36. They outrebounded Tokyo Utd 46-35 including 34 on the defensive glass. Yokohama EX looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. American center Ryan Stephan (208-1994, college: CMU) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists (on 13-of-15 shooting from the field). The other American import swingman LJ Peak (196-1996, college: Georgetown, agency: Pensack Sports) contributed with 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Four Yokohama EX players scored in double figures. American swingman Michael Craig (196-1991, college: Southern Miss) replied with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and point guard Takeshi Shingo (175-1995) added 14 points (perfect from the field making all six shots) in the effort for Tokyo Utd. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Yokohama EX have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place. Tokyo Utd lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth position with 17 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Utd: M.Craig 18+7reb+5ast, S.Takeshi 14+2reb+2ast, H.Hiroki 8+1ast, M.Ueda 7+1reb+1ast, B.Bula 7+7reb+3ast, M.Fofana 6
Yokohama EX: R.Stephan 28+11reb+5ast, L.Peak 19+6reb+3ast, T.Masuko 15+3reb+2ast, J.Faison 11+11reb+6ast, T.Toshino 8+6reb+4ast, T.Nishiyama 7+1reb+3astgschID: 1009087
Shanan Utd - Tokyo HT 65-82
There was a minor upset when 10th ranked Shanan Utd (14-26) lost to twelfth ranked Tokyo HT (13-27) in Kanagawa 65-82 on Saturday. Tokyo HT looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Spanish center David Doblas (208-1981) notched 18 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort and American power forward Justin Baker (203-1989, college: Utah Valley) supported him with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Baker is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Even a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds by American center Joshua Crawford (211-1988, college: Indiana St.) did not help to save the game for Shanan Utd. Point guard Kodai Nakano (182-1994) added 12 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Tokyo HT maintains twelfth position with 13-27 record. Newly promoted Shanan Utd keeps the tenth place with 26 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Shanan Utd: J.Crawford 20+10reb+2ast, K.Nakano 12+5reb+1ast, P.Abu 8+3reb+2ast, S.Taira 8+2reb+2ast, H.Tamada 5+1reb+1ast, A.Murray 5+1ast
Tokyo HT: D.Doblas 18+9reb+2ast, J.Baker 13+5reb+4ast, J.Fields 10+9reb+1ast, K.Takahashi 9+1reb+7ast, O.Yusaku 8+2reb+2ast, H.Ogane 7+2astgschID: 1009088
Okayama - Yamaguchi 72-91
There was a surprise result when fourteenth ranked Yamaguchi (11-28) outplayed on the road higher ranked Okayama (22-17) 91-72 on Saturday. They outrebounded Okayama 40-25 including a 32-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Jamaican-British center Ryan Richards (212-1991) notched a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds to lead the effort and American forward Robert Sampson (203-1992, college: Georgia Tech) supported him with 17 points and 10 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Sampson is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Even a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds by American forward Jerome Tillman (201-1987, college: Ohio) did not help to save the game for Okayama. His fellow American import power forward DeVaughn Washington (203-1989, college: Ohio, agency: Mansfield and Associates) added 15 points for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Yamaguchi maintains fourteenth position with 11-28 record, which they share with Tachikawa. Okayama at the other side keeps the seventh place with 17 games lost. Yamaguchi will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Okayama will play again against Yamaguchi (#14) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Okayama: J.Tillman 23+10reb+2ast, C.Maduabum 15+2reb, D.Washington 15+4reb+2ast, W.Kouki 7+4reb, I.Eitaro 5+1reb+1ast, M.Higuchi 3+1ast
Yamaguchi: R.Richards 22+14reb+2ast, R.Yamaguchi 19+3reb+2ast, R.Sampson 17+10reb+3ast, Y.Jo 9+2reb, S.Yuuki 9+1reb+1ast, H.Doi 7+2reb+1astgschID: 1009089
Yokohama EX - Tokyo Utd 87-76
Another interesting game was again a derby between two teams from Tokyo: Yokohama EX (#5) and Tokyo Utd (#6). Yokohama EX (31-9) won against visiting Tokyo Utd (23-17) 87-76. Yokohama EX made 21-of-26 charity shots (80.8 percent) during the game. Tokyo Utd was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. American forward Jordan Faison (201-1994, college: CPP) had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import swingman LJ Peak (196-1996, college: Georgetown, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 22 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Yokohama EX players scored in double figures. American swingman Michael Craig (196-1991, college: Southern Miss) responded with 25 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and guard Mamadou Fofana (185-1998) scored 15 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Yokohama EX have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place. Tokyo Utd lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth position with 17 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Utd: M.Craig 25+8reb+6ast, M.Fofana 15+3reb+2ast, K.Ren 9+2reb, S.Takeshi 8+3ast, M.Dove 6+7reb+1ast, M.Ueda 5+3reb
Yokohama EX: L.Peak 22+6reb+2ast, T.Masuko 18+2reb+2ast, J.Faison 17+13reb+3ast, T.Yutaka 10+3reb+2ast, T.Nishiyama 9+1reb+2ast, T.Toshino 4+1reb+1astgschID: 1009090
Gifu - Iwate 71-97
There was no surprise when 9th ranked Gifu (15-24) was outleveled at home by second ranked Iwate (34-5) 97-71 on Saturday. Beninese power forward Muusa Dama (207-1996, college: EIU, agency: Blacktop Management) notched a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and American forward Kristian Doolittle (201-1997, college: Oklahoma, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Even 24 points and 9 rebounds by American forward Jerrell Wright (204-1991, college: La Salle) did not help to save the game for Gifu. Senegalese power forward Andre Sambou (203-1999) added 6 points and 13 rebounds for the hosts. Five Iwate and four Gifu players scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Iwate have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 34-5 record behind leader Shizuoka. Gifu lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 24 games lost. Iwate will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Gifu will play again against the league's second-placed Iwate (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gifu: J.Wright 24+9reb+1ast, T.Masahiro 15+1ast, M.Jucikas 10+7reb, A.Ryoya 10+4ast, S.Andre 6+13reb, K.Morito 4+1ast
Iwate: M.Dama 24+11reb+1ast, K.Doolittle 19+8reb+2ast, B.Steele 18+10reb+1ast, I.Harumichi 11+2reb+6ast, K.Monma 11+5reb+2ast, Y.Toshiki 5+1reb+2astgschID: 1009091
Tachikawa - Veertien Mie 81-74
There was a surprise result when fifteenth ranked Tachikawa (11-28) beat at home higher ranked Veertien Mie (13-26) 81-74 on Saturday. Tachikawa looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American forward Tristin Walley (201-1996, college: Arkansas St., agency: One Motive Sports) notched 20 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the effort and point guard Jota Machii (182-1999) supported him with 19 points, 6 assists and 6 steals. Even 32 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists by American guard Tucker Haymond (198-1994, college: W.Michigan) did not help to save the game for Veertien Mie. His fellow American import forward Josh Martin (201-1995, college: Santa Clara) added 13 points and 11 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Tachikawa moved-up to fourteenth place, which they share with Yamaguchi. Veertien Mie lost third consecutive game. Veertien Mie at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the eleventh position with 26 games lost. Tachikawa will again meet at home higher ranked Veertien Mie (#11) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Veertien Mie will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Veertien Mie: T.Haymond 32+6reb+5ast, J.Martin 13+11reb+2ast, E.Artison 7+3reb, S.Mizoguchi 7+1reb, D.Sakamoto 6+3reb+2ast, S.Takaya 3
Tachikawa: T.Walley 20+9reb+7ast, M.Jota 19+1reb+6ast, A.Ryusei 10+2ast, E.Rickman 10+3reb+1ast, S.Blakney 8+6reb, A.Kota 7+3reb+4astgschID: 1009092
Kagoshima - Saitama 91-97
An interesting game for Saitama (32-7) which played road game in Renova against 4th ranked Kagoshima (30-9). Third ranked Saitama managed to get a 6-point victory 97-91. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Kagoshima. American power forward Ryan Watkins (206-1991, college: Boise St., agency: Slash Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 25 points and 15 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import Grant Sitton (206-1993, college: Victoria) supported him with 29 points. Even 36 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds by American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) did not help to save the game for Kagoshima. Nigerian-American forward Michael Fakuade (201-1989, college: UIS) added 23 points and 10 rebounds for the hosts. Five Saitama and four Kagoshima players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Saitama have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 32-7 record having just three points less than leader Shizuoka. Kagoshima at the other side dropped to the fifth place with nine games lost. Saitama will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kagoshima will play again against Saitama (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kagoshima: A.Gaines Jr. 36+6reb+3ast, M.Fakuade 23+10reb, S.Muto 13+3reb+3ast, Y.Nagayama 11+1ast, C.Diop 6+2reb, M.Yuji 2+3reb+4ast
Saitama: G.Sitton 29+1reb+2ast, R.Watkins 25+15reb, K.Taketo 14+3reb+6ast, W.Creekmore 12+10reb+2ast, M.Esho 10+3reb+1ast, K.Ryohei 3+2reb+1astgschID: 1009093
Shinagawa - Kanazawa 79-84
Rather expected game when 16th ranked Shinagawa (3-37) lost at home to fourteenth ranked Kanazawa (12-28) 84-79 on Thursday. Kanazawa looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Ukrainian forward Oleksandr Antypov (203-1995, agency: BIG) notched a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort and Ukrainian point guard Igor Boyarkin (182-1995, agency: BIG) supported him with 11 points and 10 assists. Even 31 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists by American forward AJ Bramah (201-1999, college: Nevada) did not help to save the game for Shinagawa. Canadian center Renaldo Dixon (206-1990, college: NM State) added 14 points and 9 rebounds for the hosts. Five Kanazawa and four Shinagawa players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Kanazawa moved-up to thirteenth place. Shinagawa lost fourth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 37 lost games. Kanazawa will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Shinagawa will play again against Kanazawa (#13) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shinagawa: A.Bramah 31+9reb+6ast, R.Dixon 14+9reb+2ast, S.Yuto 13+7reb+1ast, T.Ikumi 11+2reb+2ast, D.Uematsu 7+6reb+9ast, M.St.Fort 3+5reb
Kanazawa: O.Antypov 22+10reb+1ast, T.Shodai 16+3reb+2ast, K.Takuto 12+3reb+2ast, I.Boyarkin 11+4reb+10ast, O.Akitoshi 11+7reb+5ast, I.Ayumu 8+2reb+1astgschID: 1062864
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Matt Simpson (6'1''-G) of Florida Coll.
