B2 League Round 44: #1 Sendai 89ers are defeated by Nishinomiya S.

There was no lack of excitement in the last round games. The round ended with defeat of the leader and derby games. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Sendai 89ers (34-11) at the home court on Friday night. Hosts were edged by second ranked Nishinomiya S. (29-16) 71-68. It ended at the same time the ten-game winning streak of Sendai 89ers. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Nishinomiya S. looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. Worth to mention a great performance of 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 24 points and 11 rebounds and guard Draelon Burns (194-85, college: DePaul) who added 8 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. Nishinomiya S.'s coach Mathias Fischer used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Eric Jacobsen (208-94, college: ASU) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Nishinomiya S. maintains second position with 29-16 record having five points less than leader Shinshu BW. Sendai 89ers at the other side still keep top place with 11 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Important game to mention about took place in Fukushima. Fifth ranked Fukushima (14-28) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 3rd ranked Orange Vikings (23-21) 90-88 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Orange Vikings. The winners were led by American forward Shaheed Davis (206-94, college: UCF) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 31 points and 10 rebounds and Staphon Blair supported him with 19 points and 18 rebounds. Fukushima's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Even a double-double of 46 points (!!!) and 13 rebounds by American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-90, college: Portland St.) did not help to save the game for Orange Vikings. Fukushima maintains fifth position with 14-28 record. Orange Vikings at the other side keep the third place with 21 games lost. Fukushima will again play against higher ranked Orange Vikings (#3) in Matsuyama in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Orange Vikings will have a break next round.
A very close game took place in Aomori between Aomori W. and Tokyo EX. Fourth ranked Aomori W. (21-22) got a very close home victory over their close opponent Tokyo EX (18-24). Aomori W. managed to escape with a 2-point win 81-79 in the fight for the fourth place. The best player for the winners was Angelo Chol who had a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds. Ryan Stephan produced a double-double by scoring 28 points and 25 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) for the guests. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Aomori W. have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 21-22 record which they share with defeated Tokyo EX. Newly promoted Tokyo EX keeps the fourth place with 24 games lost. Aomori W. will again meet at home Tokyo EX (#4) in the next round. Tokyo EX will have a break next round.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Tokyo: Tokyo Z (#6) and Koshigaya A. (#5). Tokyo Z (10-34) won against visiting Koshigaya A. (14-30) 84-79. Ishmael Lane orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Tokyo Z maintains sixth position with 10-34 record. Koshigaya A. lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the fifth place with 30 games lost. Tokyo Z's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tokyo Koshigaya A..
The game between Top Four teams took place in Sendai. First ranked host Sendai 89ers (34-11) smashed second-ranked Nishinomiya S. (29-16) 80-61. Worth to mention a great performance of Eric Jacobsen who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 29 points and 16 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field). Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Sendai 89ers have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 34-11 record. Loser Nishinomiya S. keeps the second place with 16 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 44: Gunma won against Yamagata on the opponent's court 71-67. Shinshu BW managed to outperform Ibaraki R. in a home game 85-68. Bambitious N. recorded a loss to Kumamoto V. on the road 91-81. FE Nagoya defeated Fukuoka R. on its own court 92-77. Kagawa FA was smashed by Hiroshima D. in a road game 95-64.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 31 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists by Marqus Blakely of Kumamoto V..

Yamagata - Gunma 67-71

Very expected game when 6th ranked Yamagata (8-36) was defeated at home by second ranked Gunma (30-13) 71-67 on Saturday. Gunma dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Yamagata's 30. They outrebounded Yamagata 38-27 including 28 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Garrett Stutz (214-90, college: Wichita St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists and Nigerian forward Abdullahi Kuso (206-84, college: Tallahassee CC) who added 12 points and 11 rebounds during the contest. Four Gunma players scored in double figures. Gunma's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Hungarian forward Gyorgy Goloman (211-96, college: UCLA) responded with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks and guard Yoshifumi Nakajima (176-90) scored 15 points. They have an impressive six-game winning streak. Gunma maintains second position with 30-13 record having six points less than leader Shinshu BW. Yamagata lost thirteenth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 36 games lost. Gunma will have a break next round. Yamagata will play again at home against the league's second-placed Gunma (#2) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Gunma: G.Stutz 18+15reb+4ast, A.Kuso 12+11reb+2ast, N.Ren 10+4reb+1ast, N.Reiya 10+3reb+1ast, H.Kondo 6+1reb+2ast, M.Obuchi 6+2reb+2ast
Yamagata: G.Goloman 20+13reb+1ast, Y.Nakajima 15+3reb+2ast, S.Kouno 11+2reb+4ast, H.Furuhashi 8+3reb, C.Maduabum 4+5reb+2ast, M.Okamoto 3+1ast

Sendai 89ers - Nishinomiya S. 68-71

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Sendai 89ers (34-11) at the home court on Friday night. Hosts were edged by second ranked Nishinomiya S. (29-16) 71-68. It ended at the same time the ten-game winning streak of Sendai 89ers. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Nishinomiya S. looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. Worth to mention a great performance of 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 24 points and 11 rebounds and guard Draelon Burns (194-85, college: DePaul) who added 8 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. Nishinomiya S.'s coach Mathias Fischer used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Eric Jacobsen (208-94, college: ASU) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and center Daniel Miller (211-91, college: Georgia Tech) scored 8 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. Nishinomiya S. maintains second position with 29-16 record having five points less than leader Shinshu BW. Sendai 89ers at the other side still keep top place with 11 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Nishinomiya S.: B.Waldow 24+11reb+3ast, N.Dohara 13+6ast, K.Atsuki 10+1reb+2ast, D.Burns 8+6reb+6ast, H.Yasuaki 6+4reb+2ast, K.Matsuzaki 5+5reb+3ast
Sendai 89ers: E.Jacobsen 15+11reb+4ast, M.Kataoka 12+1reb+1ast, K.Sawabe 11+2reb+1ast, D.Miller 8+14reb+4ast, S.Kinjo 8+2reb+3ast, T.Shirato 7+4reb

Sendai 89ers - Nishinomiya S. 80-61

The game between Top Four teams took place in Sendai. First ranked host Sendai 89ers (34-11) smashed second-ranked Nishinomiya S. (29-16) 80-61. Sendai 89ers dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Nishinomiya S.'s 34. They outrebounded Nishinomiya S. 38-24 including 27 on the defensive glass. Sendai 89ers looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American Eric Jacobsen (208-94, college: ASU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 29 points and 16 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field) and the other American import forward Jerome Tillman (201-87, college: Ohio, agency: Inception Sports) who added 25 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Point guard Noriaki Dohara (178-89) responded with 13 points and American center Brad Waldow (208-91, college: St.Mary's, CA, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 10 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Sendai 89ers have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 34-11 record. Loser Nishinomiya S. keeps the second place with 16 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: E.Jacobsen 29+16reb+2ast, J.Tillman 25+9reb+2ast, T.Shirato 10+5reb+4ast, K.Sawabe 6+2reb+1ast, T.Masato 4+2reb+8ast, S.Watanabe 2
Nishinomiya S.: N.Dohara 13+3reb+2ast, B.Waldow 10+5reb+3ast, N.Tani 8+1reb+1ast, K.Matsuzaki 7+2reb+2ast, D.Burns 5+2reb+4ast, K.Atsuki 5+4reb+2ast

Aomori W. - Tokyo EX 81-79

A very close game took place in Aomori between Aomori W. and Tokyo EX. Fourth ranked Aomori W. (21-22) got a very close home victory over their close opponent Tokyo EX (18-24). Aomori W. managed to escape with a 2-point win 81-79 in the fight for the fourth place. Aomori W. forced 25 Tokyo EX turnovers. Strangely Tokyo EX outrebounded Aomori W. 42-30 including a 34-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was South Sudanese-American forward Angelo Chol (206-93, college: San Diego St.) who had a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds. American swingman Lakeem Jackson (195-90, college: S.Carolina, agency: SDJ Sports) chipped in 11 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. American center Ryan Stephan (208-94, college: Colorado Mesa) produced a double-double by scoring 28 points and 25 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and his fellow American import forward Jordan Faison (201-94, college: Cal Poly Pomona) added 37 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 10 assists respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Aomori W. have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 21-22 record which they share with defeated Tokyo EX. Newly promoted Tokyo EX keeps the fourth place with 24 games lost. Aomori W. will again meet at home Tokyo EX (#4) in the next round. Tokyo EX will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Aomori W.: A.Chol 21+12reb+3ast, J.Nozato 18, L.Jackson 11+7reb+8ast, T.Kan 9+2reb+5ast, Y.Otsuka 9+5reb+2ast, D.Shimoyama 3+1reb+1ast
Tokyo EX: J.Faison 37+8reb+10ast, R.Stephan 28+25reb+3ast, H.Higuchi 7+3reb+2ast, D.Taguchi 4+3reb+4ast, Y.Saito 3+1reb, N.Jazz 0

Tokyo Z - Koshigaya A. 84-79

Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Tokyo: Tokyo Z (#6) and Koshigaya A. (#5). Tokyo Z (10-34) won against visiting Koshigaya A. (14-30) 84-79. American power forward Ishmael Lane (203-97, college: Northwestern St.) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Nigerian-American center Nnanna Egwu (211-92, college: Illinois) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Five Tokyo Z players scored in double figures. American center Andrew Naymick (209-85, college: Michigan St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) and American guard Charles Hinkle (198-88, college: American) added 21 points in the effort for Koshigaya A.Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Tokyo Z maintains sixth position with 10-34 record. Koshigaya A. lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the fifth place with 30 games lost. Tokyo Z's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tokyo Koshigaya A..
Top scorers:
Tokyo Z: I.Lane 25+10reb+4ast, T.Masuko 15+6ast, S.Nisbet 14+6reb+2ast, N.Egwu 13+16reb+1ast, H.Kotaro 11+1reb+3ast, T.Shinya 4+3reb+1ast
Koshigaya A.: C.Hinkle 21+4reb+3ast, A.Naymick 17+12reb+2ast, H.Yokotsuka 11+1ast, T.Ochiai 8+4reb+5ast, K.Reo 8+3reb, H.Iida 6

Shinshu BW - Ibaraki R. 85-68

Rather predictable result in Nagano where first ranked Shinshu BW (35-7) defeated 3rd ranked Ibaraki R. (25-19) 85-68 on Saturday. Shinshu BW shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 51.9 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Shinshu BW made 7 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Wayne Marshall (211-86, college: Temple) who helped to win the game recording 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import Anthony McHenry (202-83, college: Georgia Tech) who added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists during the contest. Four Shinshu BW players scored in double figures. American power forward Alex Jones (206-87, college: Seattle) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and Nigerian forward Daniel Ochefu (211-93, college: Villanova) scored 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Shinshu BW have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 35-7 record. Loser Ibaraki R. keeps the third place with 19 games lost. Shinshu BW will face again Ibaraki R. (#3) in Mito in the next round, which may be the game of the day.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: Y.Osaki 15+3reb+6ast, W.Marshall 14+8reb+4ast, A.McHenry 14+5reb+5ast, T.Nishiyama 13+2reb+2ast, H.Hiroaki 9+4reb+1ast, K.Mitsui 8+3reb
Ibaraki R.: A.Jones 18+10reb+3ast, D.Ochefu 13+6reb+4ast, J.Maniwa 11+1reb+2ast, D.Kobayashi 8+3reb, K.Ninomiya 7+1reb+1ast, D.Sidate 6+4reb

Fukushima - Ehime OV 90-88

Important game to mention about took place in Fukushima. Fifth ranked Fukushima (14-28) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 3rd ranked Orange Vikings (23-21) 90-88 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Orange Vikings. The winners were led by American forward Shaheed Davis (206-94, college: UCF) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 31 points and 10 rebounds and American-Jamaican forward Staphon Blair (206-93, college: UCF) supported him with 19 points and 18 rebounds. Fukushima's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Even a double-double of 46 points (!!!) and 13 rebounds by American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-90, college: Portland St.) did not help to save the game for Orange Vikings. American-Irish forward Brian Voelkel (196-92, college: Vermont) added 11 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists for the guests. Fukushima maintains fifth position with 14-28 record. Orange Vikings at the other side keep the third place with 21 games lost. Fukushima will again play against higher ranked Orange Vikings (#3) in Matsuyama in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Orange Vikings will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Fukushima: S.Davis 31+10reb+1ast, S.Blair 19+18reb+1ast, K.Kikuyama 13+1reb+3ast, S.Murakami 7+1ast, D.Suzuki 7+1reb+4ast, S.Muto 5+1reb+1ast
Ehime OV: C.Tapscott 46+13reb+2ast, T.Toshino 12+1reb+4ast, B.Voelkel 11+14reb+5ast, T.Iju 8+1reb+1ast, Y.Toshino 7+2reb, M.Tate 2+2reb

Kumamoto V. - Bambitious N. 91-81

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both fourth ranked Kumamoto V. and 5th ranked Bambitious N. had identical 17-26 record. This time Kumamoto V. used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Nara 91-81 on Saturday night. Kumamoto V. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Americans were the main players on the court also this time. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Marqus Blakely (201-88, college: Vermont) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 31 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists and power forward Gavin Ware (206-93, college: Mississippi St.) who added 29 points and 17 rebounds during the contest. Power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-90, college: Oklahoma) responded with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 14 rebounds and Greg Mangano (208-89, college: Yale, agency: Octagon Europe) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 18 rebounds. Four Bambitious N. players scored in double figures. Kumamoto V. maintains fourth position with 18-26 record. Bambitious N. lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 27 games lost. Kumamoto V. will face again Bambitious N. (#5) in Nara in the next round.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: M.Blakely 31+14reb+6ast, G.Ware 29+17reb+2ast, T.Kida 21+3reb+1ast, K.Ishikawa 8+11ast, S.Kobayashi 2+3reb+1ast, W.Kenta 0
Bambitious N.: A.Fitzgerald 27+14reb+2ast, G.Mangano 21+18reb, N.Yutaro 14+2reb+6ast, J.Honda 12+1reb+2ast, Y.Yokoe 5+2reb+5ast, K.Matsumoto 2

FE Nagoya - Fukuoka R. 92-77

Everything went according to plan when third ranked FE Nagoya (22-22) beat at home 6th ranked Fukuoka R. (11-33) 92-77 on Saturday. They outrebounded Fukuoka R. 37-19 including a 27-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. FE Nagoya looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists. Fukuoka R. was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Josh Hawkinson (208-95, college: WSU, agency: Wasserman) who helped to win the game recording 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and American-Nigerian center Chris Otule (211-90, college: Marquette, agency: Octagon Europe) who added 15 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Spanish center David Doblas (208-81) responded with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and point guard Shunto Murakami (183-96) scored 10 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. FE Nagoya maintains third position with 22-22 record having thirteen points less than leader Shinshu BW. Fukuoka R. lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 33 games lost. FE Nagoya will face again Fukuoka R. (#6) at home in the next round.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: J.Hawkinson 21+5reb+5ast, C.Otule 15+9reb+4ast, C.Sow 13+8reb+1ast, K.Sugimoto 9+2reb+9ast, H.Tobita 9+3reb+1ast, Y.Ito 9+3reb+3ast
Fukuoka R.: D.Doblas 23+7reb+4ast, M.Joho 17, S.Murakami 10+4reb+6ast, I.Tomonori 9+2reb+1ast, T.Komoda 5+1reb+1ast, S.Kanou 4+1reb+1ast

Hiroshima D. - Kagawa FA 95-64

The game between closely ranked teams ended with second-ranked Kagawa FA's (26-16) road loss to first ranked Dragonflies (37-7) 64-95 on Saturday. Dragonflies dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Kagawa FA's 40. They outrebounded Kagawa FA 51-27 including a 37-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Dragonflies looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Jamari Traylor (203-92, college: Kansas) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists and Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (206-90, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) who added 22 points and 9 rebounds (perfect from the field making all ten shots !!!) during the contest. Swingman Kakeru Kanakubo (191-97) responded with 10 points and 5 rebounds and guard Takuro Tsukuba (188-92) scored 7 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Dragonflies have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 37-7 record. Loser Kagawa FA keeps the second place with 16 games lost. Dragonflies will face again league's second-placed Kagawa FA in Takamatsu in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: J.Traylor 23+16reb+7ast, G.Echenique 22+9reb+3ast, S.Tanaka 18+2reb+3ast, D.Taniguchi 7+8reb+4ast, H.Okamoto 5+1reb, T.Furuno 5+4reb+6ast
Kagawa FA: M.Shimada 11+3reb, K.Kakeru 10+5reb+1ast, T.Kodama 8+3reb+2ast, T.Ishikawa 8+3reb+2ast, T.Kanji 7+1reb+2ast, T.Tsukuba 7+4reb+3ast



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