100th Emperor’s Cup ‍All Japan Basketball ⁣Championship vs. Ibaraki Robots

Sunday, September 22, 2024 Venue:⁣ Takumi Arena (Odate Jukai Gymnasium)

FINAL SCORE
Alvark⁤ Tokyo 78-74 Ibaraki Robots

‌ ‍(Q1: 20-16, Q2: 18-24, Q3: 22-23,‌ Q4: 18-11)

GAME⁢ RECAP

The⁢ starters were #3 Tabes, #11 Saiz, #22 Rossiter, #23 Meindell, and #75​ Osakebe. In the first quarter, #3 Tabes stole the ball‍ and the team took the lead ⁣with consecutive points, but while‍ the‌ opponent’s outside shots were also successful, the team’s​ attacks under the basket were‌ blocked ⁤and the team lost the lead. However, with #9 ⁤Ando, ​​who⁢ came in as⁣ a ⁢substitute, scoring consecutive three-pointers, the team regained their rhythm and went into the second quarter with a four-point lead. In the second quarter, the game continued to go back and forth, but the ​team allowed the opponent to score consecutive three-pointers⁤ in a fast-paced game. #23 Meindell fought back⁢ with points, but they couldn’t stop the momentum and went​ into the second half trailing⁢ by two points. At the ⁣start of⁤ the third quarter, #3 Tabes scored points and ​the team took the lead, but ⁢they couldn’t⁣ stop the⁤ opponent’s well-coordinated play⁣ and fell behind by as much as 11 ⁢points. However, they held ‍their ⁤ground ‍on defense, ​and with two ⁤minutes remaining, #9 Ando’s bold‌ drive ​and transition led to #23 Meindel’s⁤ perfect three-pointer, narrowing the ‍gap to three points ⁤and heading into the final quarter. ​They ​tied⁣ the score early in the fourth quarter, but the offensive and defensive struggle continued. They continued to play intense defense even ⁣as the fouls piled up‌ and they were ‌given bonus points, and they didn’t allow the opponent to take easy shots. Just⁣ after allowing ⁢the opponent to take the lead​ again with a basket count‌ with ​two minutes remaining, #3 Tabes calmly sank ‌a pull-up jumper to take a one-point lead again. They ⁤then made a bonus free throw to win ⁣by four points.

Stats Leaders

Score
​​ #3 Teves‍ Sea ‌16pts
#11 Sebastian Saiz‌ 16pts
#23 Leonard Meindel 16pts
‍ #22 Ryan ‌Rossiter 11pts
#9 Ando‍ Shuto 10pts

Rebound
#22 Ryan Rossiter 7reb
#23 Leonard Meindel 6reb
#77 Arturas Gudaitis 6reb
⁣ ⁢ #10 Zach Baranski 5reb

Assist
#75 Taihui ⁢5ast
#3 Teves Sea 4ast
‌ ‌ #9‍ Ando Shuto 3ast
⁣ ⁤#23 Leonard‌ Meindel 3ast

Post-match comments

Head Coach Denius‌ Adomaitis

​ Today’s match was a typical first match of a tournament-style cup match, and we had a hard time finding⁤ our rhythm in​ the first half, and the match was played at the opponent’s pace. ​However, in ⁤the third⁤ quarter, we finally switched on our energy and mentality, and were able to take control of the game. We were able to ‌win in this way, but when things unfold like this, it was a match where ⁢you really ‌never know what’s going to happen. Tomorrow,‌ we’ll play our own‍ game ⁣from the start and move on to the next round. We’re grateful​ to the many fans who came to Akita today.​ We look forward to your support tomorrow.

#9 Ando Shuto

​ There were times when our shots didn’t go in, but I think it was a good ‌thing that we ⁣were able‌ to come back on defense. However, I’m glad that this wasn’t a league match yet. Anyway, I’m glad we were able to win, and we’ll‍ be playing against the ‍winner of the match between Akita and Fukuoka tomorrow, so it’ll be difficult as⁢ they’re a completely different team, but like we did today, we’ll start by switching to⁢ playing our own basketball, and do our ⁤best to win again tomorrow.

#23‍ Leonard ​Meindel

I⁢ went into today’s first game with an awareness of defense and rebounding. I think we can somehow score on offense, so ⁤it’s important to create rhythm ⁢with defense and rebounding. Today’s game wasn’t very ‌good, and the first half​ wasn’t great either, but in the end we won ‍a close game like this, and I’m glad we ‌were able to carry it into tomorrow’s game. Today, the Alvark fans came all​ the way from Tokyo. I’m really grateful. Your support and encouragement are our⁤ encouragement and motivation.‍ I want to win again​ tomorrow with you all.

NEXT GAMES

100th⁤ Emperor’s Cup All Japan Basketball‌ Championship ​2nd Round
Date and Time

September 23, 2024 (Monday) 14:00TIPOFF

Opponent

Akita⁢ Northern Happinets

Venue

Takumi‌ Arena (Odate City, Akita Prefecture)

Official tournament website
https://zennihon2024-25.japanbasketball.jp/

Resona Group B.LEAGUE 2024-25 B1 League Round 1⁢ (HOME)

Date and Time

October⁣ 5, 2024 (Sat) 15:00TIPOFF
⁤ October 6, 2024 (Sunday) 15:00TIPOFF

Opponent

⁣ Koshigaya ‌Alphas

Venue

‌ Yoyogi National Stadium First Gymnasium

▼Purchase tickets here