Matthew Aquino. Photo from B.League
MANILA, Philippines—Matthew Aquino made his Japan debut as he featured in Shinshu’s beatdown of B2 side Bambitious Nara, 93-52, to advance to the fourth round of the 2021 Emperor’s Cup Saturday at Kishiwada City Gymnasium.
The 6-foot-8 center came off the bench for the Brave Warriors and put up nine points, two rebounds, and one block in more than seven minutes of play.
Aquino, however, is yet to play for the B1 side in the B.League.
Yuta Osaki led the Brave Warriors with 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists while Yang Jaemin added 16 points and seven boards.
David Doblas had 10 points and eight rebounds to lead the Nara.
Toyama and Dwight Ramos, meanwhile steamrolled past Aomori Wat’s 105-71 in another B1-B2 matchup as they advanced to the fourth round.
Ramos had four points, three rebounds, and three assists in 12:34 of play time for the Grouses while Kevin Hareyama carried much of the scoring with 28 points on 8-of-10 from deep.
Hiroki Usui finished with 16 points for Aomori.
Nagoya and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. took care of their business against Earthfriends Tokyo Z, 93-58, en route to the fourth round.
Parks had six points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals for the Diamond Dolphins in the B1-B2 matchup.
Yutaro Suda had 17 points to lead Nagoya.
Juan Gomez De Liaño, who played sparingly in the B.League, did not see a minute of playing time for Tokyo Z.
Niigata and Kobe Paras also advanced to the fourth round as it took down Yamagata 71-60.
Paras had a game-high 12 points for the Albirex BB while Tshilidzi Nepawe added 11 points and five rebounds.
Orlando Sanchez had 11 points and five rebounds for the Wyverns.