Photo from Nagoya Dolphins Instagram
MANILA, Philippines—Nagoya lost steam late and bowed to Gunma, 101-92, in the 2021-22 Japan B.League season Saturday at Ota City Sports Park City Gymnasium.
Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and the Diamond Dolphins dropped to a 5-5 record in the West Conference while the Crane Thunders improved to 4-6 in the East.
The Crane Thunders methodically took the momentum away from the Diamond Dolphins at the start of the fourth as they went on a 16-6 run for an 87-82 lead off of Trey Jones’ free throws with 4:59 to play.
Michael Parker then widened Gunma’s gap to eight, 96-88, with a jumper at the 2:15 mark of the fourth.
Jones fired a game-high 28 points with six rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks to power Gunma while Aki Chambers and Parker added 17 and 16 points, respectively.
Scott Eatherton paced Nagoya with 23 points and nine rebounds while Coty Clarke added 19 points and five boards.
Parks finished with eight points, four rebounds, and two steals for the Diamond Dolphins.
Shinshu, meanwhile dominated Akita, 76-51, as Matthew Aquino made his B.League debut at White Ring in Nagano.
Wayne Marshall had 18 points to lead the Brave Warriors as they improved to 6-4 while Josh Hawkinson added 15 points and seven rebounds.
Aquino played 2:27 in his first game in the league with two points and two boards.
Alex Davis led the Happinets with 13 points and 11 rebounds as they dropped to 4-6.