Nagoya Diamond Dolphins VS Niigata Albirex BB

Recap

Very expected game when 8th ranked Niigata Albirex (3-19) was smashed on the road by third ranked Nagoya Diamond Dolphins (16-6) 108-64 on Saturday. Nagoya Diamond Dolphins dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Niigata Albirex’s 36 and made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Nagoya Diamond Dolphins forced 20 Niigata Albirex turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 34 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Niigata Albirex’s players. American forward Coty Clarke notched 27 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import power forward Scott Eatherton supported him with 21 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Nagoya Diamond Dolphins’s coach Shawn Dennis felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 22 points by American forward Steven Green did not help to save the game for Niigata Albirex. Jamaican center Kofi Cockburn added 10 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Nagoya Diamond Dolphins maintains third position with 16-6 record having just two point less than leader Ryukyu Golden Knights, which they share with Shimane Susanoo-Magic. Niigata Albirex lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 19 games lost. Nagoya Diamond Dolphins will again meet at home Niigata Albirex (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Niigata Albirex will have a break next round.