B2 League Round 40 of Regular Season

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

B2 League round 40 most important game was a victory of Orange Vikings over their close opponent FE Nagoya 85-83 on Saturday night. Orange Vikings forced 20 FE Nagoya turnovers. Strangely FE Nagoya outrebounded Orange Vikings 37-23 including a 26-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-90, college: Portland St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!), 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Tatsuhiko Toshino (185-88) contributed with 20 points and 4 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winners. American forward Josh Hawkinson (208-95, college: WSU, agency: Wasserman) replied with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists for FE Nagoya. FE Nagoya's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Orange Vikings maintains third position with 21-19 record having nine points less than leader Shinshu BW which they share with defeated FE Nagoya. FE Nagoya at the other side keeps the third place with 20 games lost. Orange Vikings will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. FE Nagoya will play again at home against Orange Vikings and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Kagawa FA (25-14) against fourth ranked Tokyo EX (17-22) on Saturday night. Visiting Kagawa FA was crushed by Tokyo EX in Tokyo 97-75. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Ryan Stephan (208-94, college: Colorado Mesa) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 32 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists (on 14-of-17 shooting from the field) and Jordan Faison who added 23 points, 9 rebounds and 17 assists during the contest. At the losing side American forward Kevin Kotzur (203-89, college: St.Mary's, TX) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Tokyo EX have a solid four-game winning streak. Newly promoted Tokyo EX maintains fourth position with 17-22 record. Kagawa FA at the other side keeps the second place with 14 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
An interesting game for Kagawa FA (25-14) which played road game in Tokyo against 4th ranked Tokyo EX (17-22). Second ranked Kagawa FA managed to get a 5-point victory 86-81. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Tokyo EX. The winners were led by Kevin Kotzur who had that evening a double-double by scoring 31 points, 24 rebounds and 5 assists. Even a double-double of 30 points and 19 rebounds by Ryan Stephan did not help to save the game for Tokyo EX. Kagawa FA maintains second position with 25-14 record having six points less than leader Shinshu BW. Newly promoted Tokyo EX keeps the fourth place with 22 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
An interesting game for Gunma (26-13) which hosted in Gunma one of their biggest challengers Ibaraki R. (23-17). Second ranked Gunma managed to get a 6-point victory 79-73. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Ibaraki R.. Garrett Stutz fired a double-double by scoring 17 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Gunma's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Gunma maintains second position with 26-13 record having five points less than leader Shinshu BW. Ibaraki R. at the other side keeps the third place with 17 games lost. Gunma's next round opponent will be again Ibaraki R. (#3) in Mito, which may be the game of the day.
An interesting game for Dragonflies (33-7) which hosted in Hiroshima 4th ranked Bambitious N. (17-23). First ranked Dragonflies managed to get a 9-point victory 108-99. It was a very good performance for Thomas Kennedy who helped to win the game recording 35 points (!!!), 6 assists and 4 steals. Dragonflies have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 33-7 record. Bambitious N. lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with 23 games lost. Dragonflies will face again Bambitious N. (#4) in Nara in the next round.

Other games in round 40 were not that significant. Aomori W. was beaten by Fukushima on the road 76-67. Shinshu BW destroyed Yamagata on its own court 91-54. Kumamoto V. outscored Fukuoka R. in a road game 88-65. Koshigaya A. recorded a loss to Sendai 89ers at home 68-85. Tokyo Z was defeated by Nishinomiya S. on the opponent's court 72-65.
The most impressive performance of 40th round was 23 points and 13 rebounds by Gavin Ware of Kumamoto V..

Tokyo EX - Kagawa FA 81-86

An interesting game for Kagawa FA (25-14) which played road game in Tokyo against 4th ranked Tokyo EX (17-22). Second ranked Kagawa FA managed to get a 5-point victory 86-81. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Tokyo EX. Kagawa FA looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American forward Kevin Kotzur (203-89, college: St.Mary's, TX) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 31 points, 24 rebounds and 5 assists and point guard Takayuki Kodama (166-92) supported him with 18 points and 7 assists. Four Kagawa FA players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 30 points and 19 rebounds by American center Ryan Stephan (208-94, college: Colorado Mesa) did not help to save the game for Tokyo EX. His fellow American import forward Jordan Faison (201-94, college: Cal Poly Pomona) added 22 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Kagawa FA maintains second position with 25-14 record having six points less than leader Shinshu BW. Newly promoted Tokyo EX keeps the fourth place with 22 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Kagawa FA: K.Kotzur 31+24reb+5ast, T.Kodama 18+1reb+7ast, T.Kanji 15+4reb+3ast, K.Fujioka 12+3reb, T.Tsukuba 7+2reb+5ast, T.Yokoo 3+1reb+1ast
Tokyo EX: R.Stephan 30+19reb+3ast, J.Faison 22+7reb+3ast, D.Uematsu 9+2reb+2ast, T.Sano 6+5reb+1ast, S.Miyata 6+2reb+6ast, H.Higuchi 3+5reb+2ast

Fukushima - Aomori W. 76-67

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when fifth ranked Fukushima (11-27) beat at home one of their biggest challengers Aomori W. (18-21) 76-67 on Saturday. It was a very good performance for American forward Shaheed Davis (206-94, college: UCF) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Yuji Kanbara (183-89) contributed with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. South Sudanese-American forward Angelo Chol (206-93, college: San Diego St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists and American swingman Lakeem Jackson (195-90, college: S.Carolina, agency: SDJ Sports) added 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) in the effort for Aomori W.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. Fukushima maintains fifth position with 11-27 record. Loser Aomori W. keeps the fourth place with 21 games lost. Fukushima will face again higher ranked Aomori W. (#4) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game.
Top scorers:
Fukushima: S.Davis 21+13reb+1ast, Y.Kanbara 13+5reb+4ast, S.Blair 11+9reb+1ast, D.Suzuki 10+3reb+3ast, S.Muto 9+6reb+3ast, S.Murakami 5+1reb
Aomori W.: L.Jackson 19+7reb+5ast, K.Monma 16+1reb, A.Chol 12+16reb+4ast, Y.Otsuka 10+1reb+4ast, T.Kan 2+6reb+3ast, D.Shimoyama 2+4reb+1ast

Gunma - Ibaraki R. 79-73

An interesting game for Gunma (26-13) which hosted in Gunma one of their biggest challengers Ibaraki R. (23-17). Second ranked Gunma managed to get a 6-point victory 79-73. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Ibaraki R.. Gunma players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. American center Garrett Stutz (214-90, college: Wichita St.) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Swingman Reiya Nozaki (185-95) chipped in 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Gunma's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Nigerian forward Daniel Ochefu (211-93, college: Villanova) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists and swingman Josei Maniwa (193-86) added 22 points respectively for lost side. Four Ibaraki R. players scored in double figures. Gunma maintains second position with 26-13 record having five points less than leader Shinshu BW. Ibaraki R. at the other side keeps the third place with 17 games lost. Gunma's next round opponent will be again Ibaraki R. (#3) in Mito, which may be the game of the day.
Top scorers:
Gunma: N.Reiya 18+6reb+5ast, G.Stutz 17+11reb+5ast, A.Kuso 16+9reb+2ast, M.Obuchi 9+5ast, S.Fumiya 8+2reb+1ast, K.Shinkawa 5+3reb+3ast
Ibaraki R.: J.Maniwa 22+4reb+2ast, D.Kobayashi 15+4reb+5ast, D.Ochefu 11+15reb+5ast, A.Hirao 10+1reb+10ast, A.Jones 7+3reb+1ast, K.Fukuzawa 6+1reb+2ast

FE Nagoya - Ehime OV 83-85

B2 League round 40 most important game was a victory of Orange Vikings over their close opponent FE Nagoya 85-83 on Saturday night. Orange Vikings forced 20 FE Nagoya turnovers. Strangely FE Nagoya outrebounded Orange Vikings 37-23 including a 26-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-90, college: Portland St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!), 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Tatsuhiko Toshino (185-88) contributed with 20 points and 4 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winners. American forward Josh Hawkinson (208-95, college: WSU, agency: Wasserman) replied with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 16 rebounds and 6 assists and American-Nigerian center Chris Otule (211-90, college: Marquette, agency: Octagon Europe) added 18 points and 9 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) in the effort for FE Nagoya. FE Nagoya's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Orange Vikings maintains third position with 21-19 record having nine points less than leader Shinshu BW which they share with defeated FE Nagoya. FE Nagoya at the other side keeps the third place with 20 games lost. Orange Vikings will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. FE Nagoya will play again at home against Orange Vikings and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: C.Tapscott 35+12reb+4ast, T.Toshino 20+2reb+4ast, Y.Toshino 17+2ast, B.Voelkel 7+6reb+5ast, T.Iju 6+2reb+2ast, H.Kanta 0
FE Nagoya: J.Hawkinson 26+16reb+6ast, C.Otule 18+9reb+1ast, E.Yamamoto 8+2reb+6ast, N.Takamura 8+1reb+1ast, Y.Ito 7+2reb+1ast, H.Tobita 6+3reb+1ast

Shinshu BW - Yamagata 91-54

Very expected game when 6th ranked Yamagata (8-32) was smashed by first ranked Shinshu BW (31-7) in Nagano 91-54 on Saturday. Shinshu BW had a 38-27 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. It was a very good performance for point guard Yuta Osaki (179-94) who helped to win the game recording 23 points. Naturalized American guard Louis Kurihara (188-96, college: Whittier) contributed with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four Shinshu BW players scored in double figures. American forward Stephen Hurt (211-93, college: Kansas St.) replied with 9 points and 12 rebounds and Hungarian forward Gyorgy Goloman (211-96, college: UCLA) added 14 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Yamagata. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shinshu BW maintains first position with 31-7 record. Yamagata lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 32 games lost. Shinshu BW will face again Yamagata (#6) at home in the next round where they are favorite.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: Y.Osaki 23+1reb+2ast, W.Marshall 12+9reb+1ast, A.McHenry 10+4reb+7ast, L.Kurihara 10+11reb+4ast, I.Ryo 9+6reb, T.Nishiyama 8+1reb+5ast
Yamagata: G.Goloman 14+5reb+2ast, S.Hurt 9+12reb+1ast, S.Kouno 7+3ast, A.Hikaru 7+3reb+2ast, R.Iwata 6+2reb, S.Uesugi 3+1reb+2ast

Tokyo EX - Kagawa FA 97-75

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Kagawa FA (25-14) against fourth ranked Tokyo EX (17-22) on Saturday night. Visiting Kagawa FA was crushed by Tokyo EX in Tokyo 97-75. Tokyo EX players were unselfish on offense dishing 32 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Ryan Stephan (208-94, college: Colorado Mesa) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 32 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists (on 14-of-17 shooting from the field) and the other American import forward Jordan Faison (201-94, college: Cal Poly Pomona) who added 23 points, 9 rebounds and 17 assists during the contest. At the losing side American forward Kevin Kotzur (203-89, college: St.Mary's, TX) responded with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists and guard Kanji Takahira (185-93) scored 11 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Tokyo EX have a solid four-game winning streak. Newly promoted Tokyo EX maintains fourth position with 17-22 record. Kagawa FA at the other side keeps the second place with 14 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Tokyo EX: R.Stephan 32+14reb+4ast, J.Faison 23+9reb+17ast, Y.Shiina 11, H.Higuchi 10+5reb+3ast, T.Sano 5+1ast, Y.Saito 5+2reb+2ast
Kagawa FA: K.Kotzur 26+13reb+8ast, T.Kanji 11+6reb+3ast, T.Kodama 11+4ast, K.Fujioka 10+1reb+1ast, T.Tsukuba 8+3reb+3ast, U.Junki 5

Hiroshima D. - Bambitious N. 108-99

An interesting game for Dragonflies (33-7) which hosted in Hiroshima 4th ranked Bambitious N. (17-23). First ranked Dragonflies managed to get a 9-point victory 108-99. Dragonflies looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists. It was a very good performance for American forward Thomas Kennedy (201-87, college: Detroit Mercy) who helped to win the game recording 35 points (!!!), 6 assists and 4 steals. Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (206-90, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) contributed with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-90, college: Oklahoma) replied with a double-double by scoring 31 points and 10 rebounds and forward Jumpei Honda (190-88) added 20 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) in the effort for Bambitious N.Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Dragonflies have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 33-7 record. Bambitious N. lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with 23 games lost. Dragonflies will face again Bambitious N. (#4) in Nara in the next round.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: T.Kennedy 35+4reb+6ast, G.Echenique 29+9reb+6ast, S.Asayama 19+4reb+6ast, S.Tanaka 16+2reb+3ast, H.Okamoto 3+2ast, D.Taniguchi 2+1reb+1ast
Bambitious N.: A.Fitzgerald 31+10reb, J.Honda 20+1reb+2ast, N.Yutaro 13+2reb+5ast, Y.Ide 11+4reb+4ast, J.Farr 8+6reb+2ast, Y.Yokoe 8+7ast

Fukuoka R. - Kumamoto V. 65-88

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fifth ranked Kumamoto V.'s (15-25) road victory over 6th ranked Fukuoka R. (11-29) 88-65 on Saturday. Kumamoto V. dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Fukuoka R.'s 42. Kumamoto V. forced 22 Fukuoka R. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Kumamoto V. made 12 blocks. Fukuoka R. was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. Quite impressive performance for American power forward Gavin Ware (206-93, college: Mississippi St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points and 13 rebounds (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field). The other American import forward Marqus Blakely (201-88, college: Vermont) contributed with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 7 blocks (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. Four Kumamoto V. players scored in double figures. Spanish center David Doblas (209-81) replied with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and American power forward Kevinn Pinkney (207-83, college: Nevada, agency: SDJ Sports) added 16 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Fukuoka R.Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kumamoto V. maintains fifth position with 15-25 record. Loser Fukuoka R. keeps the sixth place with 29 games lost. Kumamoto V. will have a break next round. Fukuoka R. will play again at home against Kumamoto V. (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: G.Ware 23+13reb, M.Blakely 19+6reb+5ast, T.Kida 15+1reb+3ast, R.Nakanishi 10+4reb+3ast, K.Ishikawa 9+1reb+11ast, S.Kobayashi 5+1reb
Fukuoka R.: K.Pinkney 16+5reb, D.Doblas 13+11reb+4ast, M.Joho 13+3reb+4ast, S.Kanou 8, B.Aoki 6+2reb+3ast, S.Taira 3+1reb+1ast

Koshigaya A. - Sendai 89ers 68-85

Not a big story in a game when 5th ranked Koshigaya A. (14-26) lost to first ranked Sendai 89ers (30-10) in Tokyo 68-85 on Saturday. Sendai 89ers outrebounded Koshigaya A. 42-27 including 29 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Koshigaya A.'s players. Quite impressive performance for American forward Jerome Tillman (201-87, college: Ohio, agency: Inception Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds. The other American import Eric Jacobsen (208-94, college: ASU) contributed with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. American guard Charles Hinkle (198-88, college: American) replied with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and Tomoya Ochiai (195-87) added 11 points in the effort for Koshigaya A.Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sendai 89ers have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 30-10 record. Newly promoted Koshigaya A. keeps the fifth place with 26 games lost. Sendai 89ers will have a break next round. Koshigaya A. will play again at home against the league's leader Sendai 89ers (#1) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: J.Tillman 16+12reb+3ast, M.Kataoka 15+3reb+1ast, E.Jacobsen 15+13reb+3ast, T.Masato 9+3reb+2ast, S.Takeshi 8+2reb+4ast, T.Shirato 7
Koshigaya A.: C.Hinkle 24+6reb+6ast, T.Ochiai 11+3reb+1ast, K.Reo 7+3reb, R.Narumi 7+2reb+1ast, S.Samejima 7+3ast, A.Naymick 5+7reb+3ast

Nishinomiya S. - Tokyo Z 72-65

Everything went according to plan when second ranked Nishinomiya S. (27-13) defeated 6th ranked Tokyo Z (9-31) in Hyogo 72-65 on Saturday. Nishinomiya S. made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. Quite impressive performance for American center Brad Waldow (208-91, college: St.Mary's, CA, agency: Octagon Europe) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds. The other American import guard Draelon Burns (194-85, college: DePaul) contributed with a double-double by scoring 11 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Four Nishinomiya S. players scored in double figures. American power forward Ishmael Lane (203-97, college: Northwestern St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds and guard Takumi Masuko (186-91) added 10 points and 5 assists in the effort for Tokyo Z. Nishinomiya S. maintains second position with 27-13 record having just three points less than leader Shinshu BW. Tokyo Z lost eleventh consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 31 games lost. Nishinomiya S. will face again Tokyo Z (#6) at home in the next round.
Top scorers:
Nishinomiya S.: B.Waldow 21+11reb+3ast, N.Dohara 18+2reb+3ast, D.Burns 11+12reb+5ast, K.Atsuki 10+5reb+3ast, N.Tani 5+2reb+3ast, K.Matsuzaki 5+4reb+1ast
Tokyo Z: I.Lane 25+10reb+1ast, T.Masuko 10+2reb+5ast, N.Egwu 9+5reb, T.Shinya 8+4reb+1ast, H.Kotaro 5+1reb+3ast, S.Nisbet 4+1reb+1ast



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