Sixth-ranked Shiga Lakestars (4-7) made lots of trouble for fifth ranked Alvark Tokyo (8-3) at home in Tokyo. Alvark Tokyo managed to secure only two-point victory 88-86. However their fans expected easier game. Strangely Shiga Lakestars outrebounded Alvark Tokyo 34-20 including 27 on the defensive glass. They shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 52.2 percentage. Alvark Tokyo players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. American center Alex Kirk (211-91) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Yutaro Suda (188-92) contributed with 13 points for the winners. American forward Jordan Hamilton (201-90) answered with a triple-double by scoring 27 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists and the other American import guard Jonathan Octeus (193-91) added 16 points and 4 assists in the effort for Shiga Lakestars. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Alvark Tokyo moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Kawasaki Blue Thunder. Shiga Lakestars at the other side dropped to the fifth position with seven games lost. They share it with Osaka Evesa. Alvark Tokyo will again play against Shiga Lakestars (#6) at home in the next round. Shiga Lakestars will have a break next round.
Height: 201 cm / 6’7″
Position: SF/PF
Born: Oct 6, 1990
Weight: 103 kg / 226.6 lbs
Team: Shiga Lakestars (2020-21)
Game 2 (Sunday, November 8th, 2020)
There was a small surprise when sixth ranked Shiga Lakestars (5-7) beat 4th ranked Alvark Tokyo (8-4) in Tokyo 87-80 on Sunday. Shiga Lakestars looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a good game for American forward Jordan Hamilton (201-90) who led his team to a victory with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Australian center Angus Brandt (208-89) contributed with 9 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American center Alex Kirk (211-91) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds and the former international Daiki Tanaka (191-91) added 12 points and 6 assists in the effort for Alvark Tokyo. Five Alvark Tokyo players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Shiga Lakestars moved-up to fifth place. Loser Alvark Tokyo dropped to the second position with four games lost. Shiga Lakestars will face Shinshu Bluewave (#8) in Nagano in the next round. Alvark Tokyo will play at home against Niigata Albirex (#8) and hope to win that game.
