B2 League Round 46: Yamagata beat Ibaraki R. by three after a very close game

The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute surprises and upsets. The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with derby games, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most exciting game of round 46 in the B2 League took place in Yamagata. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 3rd ranked Ibaraki R. (25-21) to sixth ranked Yamagata (9-37) 76-73 on Saturday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Hungarian forward Gyorgy Goloman (211-96, college: UCLA) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 31 points and 11 rebounds. American forward Michael Bell (206-82, college: FAU) contributed with 13 points, 23 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American power forward Alex Jones (206-87, college: Seattle) replied with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 14 rebounds for Ibaraki R.Ibaraki R.'s coach Anthony Garbelotto tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Yamagata maintains sixth position with 9-37 record. Ibaraki R. lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with 21 games lost. Yamagata are again looking forward to face higher ranked Ibaraki R. (#3) in Mito in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Ibaraki R. will have a break next round.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Tokyo: Koshigaya A. (#5) and Tokyo Z (#6). Koshigaya A. (15-31) won against visiting Tokyo Z (11-35) 84-80. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Tokyo Z. American center Kyle Barone (203-89, college: Idaho) had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Andrew Naymick chipped in 6 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side American power forward Ishmael Lane (203-97, college: Northwestern St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Newly promoted Koshigaya A. maintains fifth position with 15-31 record. Tokyo Z at the other side keeps the sixth place with 35 games lost. Koshigaya A.'s supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tokyo Tokyo Z.
An interesting game for Gunma (32-13) which played road game in Aomori against 4th ranked Aomori W. (21-24). Second ranked Gunma had an easy win 96-74. Garrett Stutz notched a triple-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the effort. Even a double-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists by Lakeem Jackson did not help to save the game for Aomori W.. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gunma have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 32-13 record having four points less than leader Shinshu BW. Loser Aomori W. keeps the fourth place with 24 games lost. Gunma will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Aomori W. will play again against the league's second-placed Gunma (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for FE Nagoya (24-22) which played road game in Tokyo against one of their biggest challengers Tokyo EX (19-25). Third ranked FE Nagoya had an easy win 114-80. Josh Hawkinson fired a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners. 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. FE Nagoya have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 24-22 record having eleven points less than leader Shinshu BW, which they share with Ehime OV. Newly promoted Tokyo EX keeps the fourth place with 25 games lost. FE Nagoya will have a break next round. Tokyo EX will play again at home against FE Nagoya (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for Shinshu BW (37-7) which hosted in Nagano their biggest opponent Nishinomiya S. (29-17). First ranked Shinshu BW had an easy win 81-63. It was a very good performance for Wayne Marshall who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Shinshu BW have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 37-7 record. Loser Nishinomiya S. keeps the second place with 17 games lost. Shinshu BW will face again league's second-placed Nishinomiya S. in Hyogo in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week.

Other games in round 46 were not that significant. Sendai 89ers beat Fukushima on the road 75-69. Bambitious N. lost to Fukuoka R. on its own court 82-89. Ehime OV outscored Kagawa FA in Matsuyama 98-77. Hiroshima D. rolled over Kumamoto V. at home 100-73.

Fukushima - Sendai 89ers 69-75

No shocking result in a game when first ranked Sendai 89ers (35-11) beat on the road 5th ranked Fukushima (15-29) 75-69 on Saturday. Sendai 89ers looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a very good performance for American Eric Jacobsen (208-94, college: ASU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds. The other American import center Daniel Miller (211-91, college: Georgia Tech) contributed with 19 points and 8 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. American forward Shaheed Davis (206-94, college: UCF) replied with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 17 rebounds and 5 assists and South African center Tshilidzi Nephawe (208-89, college: N.Mexico St.) added 9 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Fukushima. Sendai 89ers have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 35-11 record. Loser Fukushima keeps the fifth place with 29 games lost. Sendai 89ers will have a break next round. Fukushima will play again at home against the league's leader Sendai 89ers (#1) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: E.Jacobsen 22+14reb+2ast, D.Miller 19+8reb+3ast, K.Sawabe 19+4reb+5ast, T.Masato 5+4ast, T.Shirato 3+4reb+2ast, S.Kinjo 3+3reb+3ast
Fukushima: S.Davis 15+17reb+5ast, S.Murakami 14+1reb+6ast, D.Suzuki 10+2reb+3ast, K.Kikuyama 9+1ast, S.Muto 9+1reb, T.Nephawe 9+10reb+2ast

Aomori W. - Gunma 74-96

An interesting game for Gunma (32-13) which played road game in Aomori against 4th ranked Aomori W. (21-24). Second ranked Gunma had an easy win 96-74. Gunma looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. American center Garrett Stutz (214-90, college: Wichita St.) notched a triple-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the effort and Nigerian forward Abdullahi Kuso (206-84, college: Tallahassee CC) supported him with 9 points and 11 rebounds. Four Gunma players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists by American swingman Lakeem Jackson (195-90, college: S.Carolina, agency: SDJ Sports) did not help to save the game for Aomori W.. South Sudanese-American forward Angelo Chol (206-93, college: San Diego St.) added 6 points and 11 rebounds for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gunma have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 32-13 record having four points less than leader Shinshu BW. Loser Aomori W. keeps the fourth place with 24 games lost. Gunma will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Aomori W. will play again against the league's second-placed Gunma (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Gunma: G.Stutz 22+10reb+10ast, N.Reiya 15+1reb+3ast, M.Komaki 11+2reb+1ast, N.Natsuki 10+4reb, H.Kazuki 9+2reb+1ast, A.Kuso 9+11reb+3ast
Aomori W.: L.Jackson 16+10reb+5ast, T.Kan 12+1reb+2ast, T.Yusuke 10+1reb+3ast, T.Sano 8+2reb+2ast, D.Shimoyama 8+3ast, A.Chol 6+11reb+2ast

Yamagata - Ibaraki R. 76-73

The most exciting game of round 46 in the B2 League took place in Yamagata. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 3rd ranked Ibaraki R. (25-21) to sixth ranked Yamagata (9-37) 76-73 on Saturday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Hungarian forward Gyorgy Goloman (211-96, college: UCLA) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 31 points and 11 rebounds. American forward Michael Bell (206-82, college: FAU) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 23 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American power forward Alex Jones (206-87, college: Seattle) replied with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 14 rebounds and guard Daisuke Kobayashi (189-87) added 18 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Ibaraki R.Ibaraki R.'s coach Anthony Garbelotto tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Yamagata maintains sixth position with 9-37 record. Ibaraki R. lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with 21 games lost. Yamagata are again looking forward to face higher ranked Ibaraki R. (#3) in Mito in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Ibaraki R. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Yamagata: G.Goloman 31+11reb+2ast, M.Bell 13+23reb+6ast, T.Kurihara 10+2reb, H.Furuhashi 6+2reb+2ast, S.Kouno 5+3reb+8ast, Y.Wada 5
Ibaraki R.: A.Jones 24+14reb+1ast, D.Kobayashi 18+5reb+1ast, K.Fukuzawa 6+2reb+1ast, Y.Takahashi 6, K.Ninomiya 5+1reb+5ast, J.Maniwa 4+3reb+4ast

Tokyo EX - FE Nagoya 80-114

An interesting game for FE Nagoya (24-22) which played road game in Tokyo against one of their biggest challengers Tokyo EX (19-25). Third ranked FE Nagoya had an easy win 114-80. FE Nagoya dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Tokyo EX's 24 and made 17-of-21 charity shots (81.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Tokyo EX 42-26 including a 35-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. FE Nagoya shot the lights out from three nailing 15 long-distance shots on high 51.7 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 34 assists comparing to just 20 passes made by Tokyo EX's players. They brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. American forward Josh Hawkinson (208-95, college: WSU, agency: Wasserman) fired a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners. American-Nigerian center Chris Otule (211-90, college: Marquette, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!). Five FE Nagoya players scored in double figures. Point guard Aiki Tanno (172-95) produced 32 points and 4 assists and Yutaka Saito (194-80) added 17 points respectively for lost side. 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. FE Nagoya have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 24-22 record having eleven points less than leader Shinshu BW, which they share with Ehime OV. Newly promoted Tokyo EX keeps the fourth place with 25 games lost. FE Nagoya will have a break next round. Tokyo EX will play again at home against FE Nagoya (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: J.Hawkinson 18+10reb+5ast, C.Otule 18+7reb+5ast, H.Tobita 17+3reb, M.Shun 11+1reb+4ast, N.Takamura 11+9reb+2ast, J.Kano 7+1reb+3ast
Tokyo EX: A.Tanno 32+2reb+4ast, Y.Saito 17+2reb+3ast, R.Hasegawa 12+4reb+3ast, D.Uematsu 6+4reb+1ast, K.Ogura 6+5reb+1ast, N.Jazz 3+1reb+1ast

Bambitious N. - Fukuoka R. 82-89

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 5th ranked Bambitious N. (17-29) lost to sixth ranked Fukuoka R. (12-34) in Nara 82-89 on Saturday. Fukuoka R. made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Bambitious N. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Bambitious N. was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a very good performance for Spanish center David Doblas (208-81) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 32 points and 12 rebounds (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field). Nigerian-American power forward Gani Lawal (206-88, college: Georgia Tech, agency: PEPI SPORT) contributed with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Fukuoka R.'s coach Iurgi Caminos used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Point guard Nishi Yutaro (176-92) replied with 21 points and 7 assists and American Greg Mangano (208-89, college: Yale, agency: Octagon Europe) added 9 points and 16 rebounds in the effort for Bambitious N.Fukuoka R. maintains sixth position with 12-34 record. Bambitious N. lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 29 games lost. Fukuoka R. will have a break next round. Bambitious N. will play again at home against Fukuoka R. (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: D.Doblas 32+12reb+2ast, G.Lawal 19+6reb+5ast, M.Joho 13+3reb+7ast, T.Komoda 8+4reb+2ast, S.Murakami 6+3reb+4ast, S.Kanou 5+3reb+1ast
Bambitious N.: N.Yutaro 21+2reb+7ast, A.Fitzgerald 16+7reb+1ast, K.Matsumoto 14+3reb+4ast, G.Mangano 9+16reb+3ast, Y.Ide 8+1reb+2ast, J.Honda 6+5reb+1ast

Koshigaya A. - Tokyo Z 84-80

Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Tokyo: Koshigaya A. (#5) and Tokyo Z (#6). Koshigaya A. (15-31) won against visiting Tokyo Z (11-35) 84-80. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Tokyo Z. Koshigaya A. made 20-of-26 charity shots (76.9 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. American center Kyle Barone (203-89, college: Idaho) had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import center Andrew Naymick (209-85, college: Michigan St.) chipped in 6 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side American power forward Ishmael Lane (203-97, college: Northwestern St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and Nigerian-American center Nnanna Egwu (211-92, college: Illinois) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds. Four Tokyo Z players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Newly promoted Koshigaya A. maintains fifth position with 15-31 record. Tokyo Z at the other side keeps the sixth place with 35 games lost. Koshigaya A.'s supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Tokyo Tokyo Z.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: K.Barone 24+11reb+3ast, K.Reo 14+1reb+3ast, H.Yokotsuka 11+2reb+2ast, S.Tamura 9+6reb+3ast, R.Narumi 7+5ast, A.Naymick 6+12reb+4ast
Tokyo Z: I.Lane 16+10reb+3ast, N.Egwu 13+11reb+3ast, T.Masuko 12+3ast, H.Kotaro 10+3reb+5ast, S.Nisbet 9+1reb, T.Shinya 7+3reb+1ast

Shinshu BW - Nishinomiya S. 81-63

An interesting game for Shinshu BW (37-7) which hosted in Nagano their biggest opponent Nishinomiya S. (29-17). First ranked Shinshu BW had an easy win 81-63. Shinshu BW made 24-of-31 free shots (77.4 percent) during the game, while Nishinomiya S. only scored six points from the stripe. Nishinomiya S. was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a very good performance for American center Wayne Marshall (211-86, college: Temple) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 8 rebounds. Swingman Hiroaki Hiroaki (182-91) contributed with 9 points and 5 assists for the winners. American center Brad Waldow (208-91, college: St.Mary's, CA, agency: Octagon Europe) replied with 19 points and 6 rebounds and point guard Noriaki Dohara (178-89) added 14 points and 5 assists in the effort for Nishinomiya S.Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Shinshu BW have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 37-7 record. Loser Nishinomiya S. keeps the second place with 17 games lost. Shinshu BW will face again league's second-placed Nishinomiya S. in Hyogo in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: W.Marshall 26+8reb+3ast, H.Hiroaki 9+5ast, S.Watanabe 7+3reb+3ast, Y.Osaki 7+3reb+1ast, A.McHenry 7+2reb+2ast, Y.Inoue 6+3reb
Nishinomiya S.: B.Waldow 19+6reb+1ast, N.Dohara 14+3reb+5ast, K.Matsuzaki 11+4reb+1ast, D.Burns 6+6reb+5ast, N.Tani 5+3reb+1ast, A.Tsuchiya 2

Kagawa FA - Ehime OV 77-98

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when third ranked Orange Vikings (24-22) rolled over their biggest opponent Kagawa FA (26-18) in Takamatsu 98-77 on Saturday. They outrebounded Kagawa FA 47-33 including a 35-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. Orange Vikings looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Quite impressive performance for American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-90, college: Portland St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 46 points (!!!) and 11 rebounds. American-Irish forward Brian Voelkel (196-92, college: Vermont) contributed with a triple-double by scoring 14 points, 20 rebounds and 15 assists for the winners. American forward Scootie Randall (198-90, college: Temple) replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and New Zealand forward Robert Loe (211-91, college: St.Louis) added 13 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Kagawa FA. Four Kagawa FA players scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Orange Vikings maintains third position with 24-22 record having eleven points less than leader Shinshu BW, which they share with FE Nagoya. Kagawa FA lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the second place with 18 games lost. Orange Vikings will have a break next round. Kagawa FA will play again at home against Orange Vikings and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: C.Tapscott 46+11reb+1ast, T.Toshino 18+5reb+2ast, B.Voelkel 14+20reb+15ast, Y.Toshino 6+4reb+1ast, M.Riku 5+1reb, T.Iju 4+2ast
Kagawa FA: S.Randall 17+11reb+5ast, R.Loe 13+10reb+3ast, T.Kanji 11+3reb+2ast, M.Abe 11+1ast, K.Fujioka 10+1reb, T.Kodama 7+4reb+4ast

Hiroshima D. - Kumamoto V. 100-73

Not a big story in a game when 4th ranked Kumamoto V. (19-27) was outscored by first ranked Dragonflies (39-7) in Hiroshima 100-73 on Saturday. Dragonflies shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 56.5 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Dragonflies made 7 blocks. Quite impressive performance for Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (206-90, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 29 points, 16 rebounds and 6 blocks. Guard Seiya Tanaka (186-91) contributed with 31 points for the winners. Four Dragonflies players scored in double figures. American forward Marqus Blakely (201-88, college: Vermont) replied with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 17 rebounds and 7 assists and guard Kaito Ishikawa (188-90) added 11 points and 7 assists in the effort for Kumamoto V.Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Dragonflies have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 39-7 record. Loser Kumamoto V. keeps the fourth place with 27 games lost. Dragonflies will face again Kumamoto V. (#4) at home in the next round.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: S.Tanaka 31+1reb+2ast, G.Echenique 29+16reb+1ast, S.Asayama 15+4reb+3ast, J.Traylor 11+9reb+3ast, H.Okamoto 5+3reb+4ast, T.Furuno 3+1reb+6ast
Kumamoto V.: M.Blakely 18+17reb+7ast, R.Nakanishi 13+2reb, K.Ishikawa 11+7ast, G.Ware 9+4reb, T.Kida 8+1reb+2ast, M.Sato 6+5reb+2ast



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