Josh Hawkinson's 31 points carry SunRockers Shibuya past Shinshu

How Josh Hawkinson's 31 points decided Shinshu v SunRockers Shibuya

Josh Hawkinson decided the game with 31 points and 10 rebounds in 32 minutes, leading SunRockers Shibuya to a 97-90 win at Shinshu Brave Warriors. No player in the game scored more.

The scoring sat far above his season average of 13.8 points across 9 games in 2026/2027. His rebounding was closer to his usual output, with 10 boards against an average of 9.6.

Hawkinson ranks 7th of 181 rated players in the Japanese B.League by TeamKeys Rating, at 97.9. On this evidence, the ranking is well earned.

How did Hawkinson build his 31 points against Shinshu?

Hawkinson built his 31 points on clean shooting: 5/5 on two-pointers, 4/8 from three and 9/11 at the free-throw line. He scored from every area without forcing his shots.

The free throws mattered as much as the field goals. His 9/11 from the line let SunRockers Shibuya score with the clock stopped while the hosts tried to hold on.

He also looked after the ball, with only 1 turnover alongside 2 assists. His PIR of 34 was the highest on the floor, ahead of Kevon Harris on 24.

Why Shinshu Brave Warriors lost their first-half lead

Shinshu lost the game after half-time, when SunRockers Shibuya won the third quarter 28-18 and the fourth 22-15. The hosts had taken the first two quarters 29-20 and 28-27.

Shinshu had genuine answers in Kevon Harris, who scored 28 with 5/7 from three, and Mike Daum, who added 21. Marcus Lee went 6/6 inside for 14 points and 10 rebounds, but Harris also committed 5 turnovers.

Hawkinson had help when the game turned. Bryson Williams scored 18 off the bench with 6/6 free throws, while Donte Grantham added 17 on 8/11 from two and Leo Vendrame handed out 7 assists.

That support covered a quiet night for Rawle Alkins, who ranks 3rd in the league by TeamKeys Rating. He was held to 10 points against his season average of 19.

What the result means for the B.League table and the next games

The win lifts SunRockers Shibuya to 7-4 and 8th of 26, while Shinshu Brave Warriors stay 24th at 2-8. The visitors' form now reads L, L, W, W, W.

Shinshu's form shows only defeats: L, L, L, L, L. Above both sides, Hiroshima are 9-0, Alvark Tokyo 8-1, Kyoto 7-1 and Nagoya Diamond Dolphins 7-0.

SunRockers Shibuya face Osaka Evessa on 23 October 2026, with little time to rest. Shinshu meet Utsunomiya Brex on 24 October, still searching for a way to end their losing run.