JBL – Panasonic force their way to share lead with Aisin

TOKYO (JBL) - Panasonic Trians were the only team to win both the weekend games as Aisin Sea Horses’ sole reign on top of the leader board came to an end after 18 rounds.

Panasonic Trians pipped Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins 88-85 on Saturday and followed it up with a 72-66 the following day.

Aisin, who were ahead by a win at the start of the weekend, suffered a setback to their hopes when they lost 93-95 in overtime to Toshiba Brave Thunders.

Although Aisin recovered to win 83-76 on Sunday, Saturday’s defeat combined with Panasonic’s twin success means they now share the JBL top spot.

Meanwhile, Tochigi Brex who lost 63-68 to Toyota Alvark on Saturday, bounced back to stun Toyota Alvark 89-65, the margin of defeat as surprising as the result itself.

In the other pairing of the weekend, Hitachi Sun Rockers split their games with bottom ranked Rera Kamuy Hokkaido.

Hitachi won 88-65 on Saturday and Hokkaido 76-66 a day later.

Three weekends of action – with two rounds each weekend – remain in the regular season before the top four play off from the semifinals stage for the JBL title.

JBL Standings
1. Aisin Sea Horses 26-10
2. Panasonic Trians 26-10
3. Toyota Alvark 23-13
4. Toshiba Brave Thunders 17-19
5. Hitachi Sunrockers 16-20
6. Tochigi Brex 15-21
7. Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins 11-25
8. Rera Kamuy Hokkaido 10-26

FIBA Asia