The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of United (3-1) in Tokyo on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by Big Bulls (5-1) 86-72. Iwate had a 25-14 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Point guard Harumichi Ishikawa (170-1999) chipped in 18 points and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Lithuanian power forward Rokas Gustys (206-1994, college: Hofstra) who recorded a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) and point guard Hajime Imabayashi (184-1999) added 17 points respectively. 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. Big Bulls is looking forward to face Veertien Mie (#16) in Yokkaichi in the next round which should be an easy win for them. United will play on the road against Tokushima Gam. (#2) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
