B2 League Round 5: Koshigaya A. beats Yamagata by three after a very close game

This is still too early stage of the Regular Season in B2 League and we should expect many changes in upcoming rounds. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

Eighth-ranked Yamagata (0-6) was very close to win a game against second ranked Koshigaya A. (5-1) in Tokyo on Friday. Koshigaya A. managed to secure only three-point victory 70-67. However their fans expected much easier game. Koshigaya A. outrebounded Yamagata 47-31 including 32 on the defensive glass. 28 personal fouls committed by Yamagata helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American center Isaac Butts (208-89, college: App State) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds. American guard Charles Hinkle (198-88, college: American) contributed with 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. American-Puerto Rican center Chris Brady (208-95, college: Monmouth) answered with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists for Yamagata. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Koshigaya A. have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place with 5-1 record having just one victory less than leader Sendai 89ers. Yamagata at the other side still closes the standings with six games lost. They share the position with Ehime OV. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Important game to mention about took place in Nara. Fourth ranked Bambitious N. (3-2) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 5th ranked Nishinomiya S. (2-3) 83-80 on Saturday evening. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Forward Yuto Otsuka (188-90) stepped up and scored 16 points and 9 assists for the winners and Lakeem Jackson chipped in 14 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. American power forward Alex Jones (206-87, college: Seattle) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. The victory was the third consecutive win for Bambitious N.. They moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams. Nishinomiya S. lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the sixth position with three games lost. Bambitious N. will again play against Nishinomiya S. (#6) in Hyogo in the next round. Nishinomiya S. will have a break next round.
An interesting game for Sendai 89ers (5-0) which hosted in Sendai 3rd placed Kumamoto V. (3-2). Leader Sendai 89ers managed to get a 4-point victory 77-73. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Kumamoto V.. Eric Jacobsen nailed 29 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line !!!) for the winning side. Sendai 89ers' coach Dai Oketani used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Chris Olivier came up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds for Kumamoto V. in the defeat. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Sendai 89ers. They maintain first place with 5-0 record. Loser Kumamoto V. dropped to the second position with two games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Sendai 89ers will again meet at home Kumamoto V. (#4) in the next round. Kumamoto V. will have a break next round.
An interesting game for FE Nagoya (4-1) which hosted in Nagoya second-ranked Rizing (3-2). First ranked FE Nagoya had an easy win 96-74. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The best player for the winners was Andrew Fitzgerald who scored 22 points and 7 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for FE Nagoya. They maintain first place with 4-1 record. Rizing at the other side keeps the second position with two games lost. FE Nagoya's next round opponent will be again Rizing (#3) in Fukuoka, which may be the game of the day.
Bottom-ranked Orange Vikings is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their sixth consecutive match to fourth ranked Gunma (4-2) 99-72 on Friday evening. Michael Parker orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds. 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. Gunma moved-up to third place. Orange Vikings lost their sixth game in a row. They still close the standings with six games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 5: Aomori W. was smashed by Ibaraki R. on the road 99-76. Koshigaya A. destroyed Yamagata on its own court 102-52. Gunma managed to outperform Ehime OV in a road game 84-66. Saga B. managed to beat Kagawa FA at home 81-64.
The most impressive performance of 5th round was 23 points and 10 rebounds by Kenny Lawson of Saga B..

Koshigaya A. - Yamagata 70-67

Eighth-ranked Yamagata (0-6) was very close to win a game against second ranked Koshigaya A. (5-1) in Tokyo on Friday. Koshigaya A. managed to secure only three-point victory 70-67. However their fans expected much easier game. Koshigaya A. outrebounded Yamagata 47-31 including 32 on the defensive glass. 28 personal fouls committed by Yamagata helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American center Isaac Butts (208-89, college: App State) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds. American guard Charles Hinkle (198-88, college: American) contributed with 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Four Koshigaya A. players scored in double figures. American-Puerto Rican center Chris Brady (208-95, college: Monmouth) answered with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists and guard Yoshifumi Nakajima (176-90) added 9 points and 6 assists in the effort for Yamagata. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Koshigaya A. have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place with 5-1 record having just one victory less than leader Sendai 89ers. Yamagata at the other side still closes the standings with six games lost. They share the position with Ehime OV. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: I.Butts 20+14reb+3ast, S.Hatakeyama 12+1reb+4ast, C.Hinkle 12+9reb+1ast, T.Hasegawa 10+1reb+3ast, B.Lawson 8+7reb+2ast, H.Mone 4+4reb
Yamagata: C.Brady 17+16reb+5ast, S.Kouno 11+2reb+1ast, Y.Nakajima 9+1reb+6ast, R.Yanagawa 8+1reb, I.Ryo 7+2reb, Y.Wada 5+1reb

Ehime OV - Gunma 72-99

Bottom-ranked Orange Vikings is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their sixth consecutive match to fourth ranked Gunma (4-2) 99-72 on Friday evening. Gunma dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Orange Vikings' 22. They outrebounded Orange Vikings 35-24 including 26 on the defensive glass. Gunma looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. Naturalized American forward Michael Parker (202-81, college: Evergreen St.) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds. American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-90, college: Miami, FL) contributed with 18 points and 6 assists for the winners. Five Gunma players scored in double figures. American forward Perry Ellis (203-93, college: Kansas) answered with 17 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import center Ryan Stephan (208-94, college: CMU) added 16 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Orange Vikings. 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. Gunma moved-up to third place. Orange Vikings lost their sixth game in a row. They still close the standings with six games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Gunma: T.McKinney-Jones 18+3reb+6ast, M.Parker 16+12reb+3ast, R.Yamazaki 15+4reb+2ast, J.Keenan 14+4reb, B.Qvale 10+6reb+4ast, S.Fumiya 6+2reb+1ast
Ehime OV: P.Ellis 17+6reb+2ast, R.Stephan 16+6reb+2ast, Y.Toshino 15+1reb+4ast, Y.Sakai 8+2reb+4ast, T.Ozawa 4+3reb+1ast, O.Shota 4+2reb

Sendai 89ers - Kumamoto V. 77-73

An interesting game for Sendai 89ers (5-0) which hosted in Sendai 3rd placed Kumamoto V. (3-2). Leader Sendai 89ers managed to get a 4-point victory 77-73. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Kumamoto V.. Sendai 89ers looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American Eric Jacobsen (208-94, college: ASU) nailed 29 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line !!!) for the winning side and his fellow American import center Daniel Miller (211-91, college: Georgia Tech) accounted for 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Sendai 89ers' coach Dai Oketani used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. American forward Chris Olivier (202-92, college: OK State) came up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds and Spanish center David Doblas (208-81) added 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Kumamoto V. in the defeat. Four Kumamoto V. players scored in double figures. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Sendai 89ers. They maintain first place with 5-0 record. Loser Kumamoto V. dropped to the second position with two games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Sendai 89ers will again meet at home Kumamoto V. (#4) in the next round. Kumamoto V. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: E.Jacobsen 29+6reb+1ast, D.Miller 16+12reb+4ast, S.Reiju 9+4reb+8ast, H.Kantake 5+2reb, T.Masato 4+2reb+5ast, W.Shota 3
Kumamoto V.: T.Kida 16+3reb+3ast, C.Olivier 15+12reb+2ast, D.Doblas 12+9reb+4ast, R.Motomura 10+1reb+1ast, K.Ishikawa 9+5reb+9ast, D.Orton 7+4reb

Ibaraki R. - Aomori W. 99-76

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fifth ranked Ibaraki R.'s (3-2) home victory over 6th ranked Aomori W. (1-4) in Mito 99-76 on Saturday. They outrebounded Aomori W. 40-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. Ibaraki R. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Canadian-Italian power forward Marc Trasolini (206-90, college: Santa Clara) orchestrated the victory by scoring 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Nigerian forward Abdullahi Kuso (206-84, college: Tallahassee) contributed with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. American forward Stephen Hurt (211-93, college: Kansas St.) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 15 rebounds and the other American import center Joshua Crawford (211-88, college: Indiana St.) added 26 points and 4 assists in the effort for Aomori W.Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the third consecutive win for Ibaraki R.. They moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams. Aomori W. lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. Ibaraki R. will face again Aomori W. (#7) at home in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: M.Trasolini 23+5reb+4ast, A.Kuso 12+13reb+1ast, J.Maniwa 10+1ast, A.Hirao 9+2reb+6ast, N.Kohei 9+1ast, Y.Takahashi 8+1reb+4ast
Aomori W.: J.Crawford 26+3reb+4ast, S.Hurt 19+15reb+2ast, J.Nozato 11+1reb+2ast, T.Yusuke 6+1reb+2ast, T.Kyonosuke 5, K.Monma 4+1reb+4ast

Koshigaya A. - Yamagata 102-52

Very expected game when bottom-ranked Yamagata (0-6) was smashed by second ranked Koshigaya A. (5-1) in Tokyo 102-52 on Saturday. Koshigaya A. dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Yamagata's 28 and made 26-of-30 free shots (86.7 percent) during the game, while Yamagata only scored six points from the stripe. They outrebounded Yamagata 46-12 including a 14-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. Koshigaya A. looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Yamagata was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. British forward Benjamin Lawson (216-95, college: WKU) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 16 rebounds. American guard Charles Hinkle (198-88, college: American) contributed with 18 points for the winners. Four Koshigaya A. players scored in double figures. American-Puerto Rican center Chris Brady (208-95, college: Monmouth) answered with 8 points and 6 rebounds and point guard Seiji Kouno (172-89) added 10 points and 4 assists in the effort for Yamagata. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Koshigaya A.. They maintain second place with 5-1 record having just one victory less than leader Sendai 89ers. Yamagata lost their sixth game in a row. They still close the standings with six games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: B.Lawson 22+16reb+2ast, C.Hinkle 18+3reb+3ast, H.Mone 12+5reb+5ast, S.Hatakeyama 11+3reb+4ast, T.Ochiai 10+2reb+2ast, T.Hasegawa 9+2reb+4ast
Yamagata: I.Ryo 12+1reb+3ast, R.Yanagawa 10+3ast, S.Kouno 10+2reb+4ast, C.Brady 8+6reb+2ast, A.Hikaru 5+1ast, M.Tsuruta 4

Ehime OV - Gunma 66-84

Rather predictable result when fourth ranked Gunma (4-2) won against bottom-ranked Orange Vikings (0-6) in Matsuyama 84-66 on Saturday. Gunma dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Orange Vikings' 30. Gunma forced 20 Orange Vikings turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-90, college: Miami, FL) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Naturalized American forward Michael Parker (202-81, college: Evergreen St.) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Four Gunma players scored in double figures. Gunma's coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. American center Ryan Stephan (208-94, college: CMU) answered with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 13 rebounds and the other American import forward Perry Ellis (203-93, college: Kansas) added 18 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Orange Vikings. Gunma moved-up to third place. Orange Vikings lost their sixth game in a row. They still close the standings with six games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Gunma: J.Keenan 22+5reb, T.McKinney-Jones 21+5reb+6ast, M.Parker 16+10reb+1ast, B.Qvale 14+4reb+3ast, M.Komaki 5+1ast, M.Obuchi 4+3reb+6ast
Ehime OV: R.Stephan 26+13reb+2ast, P.Ellis 18+10reb+2ast, Y.Toshino 12+1reb+7ast, T.Iju 5+2reb+4ast, Y.Sakai 3+2reb+3ast, O.Shota 2+1reb

Bambitious N. - Nishinomiya S. 83-80

Important game to mention about took place in Nara. Fourth ranked Bambitious N. (3-2) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 5th ranked Nishinomiya S. (2-3) 83-80 on Saturday evening. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Bambitious N. players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Forward Yuto Otsuka (188-90) stepped up and scored 16 points and 9 assists for the winners and American swingman Lakeem Jackson (195-90, college: S.Carolina) chipped in 14 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. American power forward Alex Jones (206-87, college: Seattle) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists and point guard Noriaki Dohara (178-89) scored 20 points and 5 assists. Five Bambitious N. and four Nishinomiya S. players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. The victory was the third consecutive win for Bambitious N.. They moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams. Nishinomiya S. lost their third game in a row. They dropped to the sixth position with three games lost. Bambitious N. will again play against Nishinomiya S. (#6) in Hyogo in the next round. Nishinomiya S. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Bambitious N.: Y.Otsuka 16+4reb+9ast, M.Dove 15+4reb, L.Jackson 14+9reb+6ast, S.O'Mara 12+4reb+3ast, S.Fujitaka 10+3reb+1ast, K.Kimura 5+3reb+2ast
Nishinomiya S.: N.Dohara 20+2reb+5ast, A.Jones 19+12reb+4ast, N.Tani 15+1reb+6ast, M.Fukuda 12+5reb, K.Atsuki 8+1reb+3ast, J.Liu 4+4reb+1ast

FE Nagoya - Fukuoka R. 96-74

An interesting game for FE Nagoya (4-1) which hosted in Nagoya second-ranked Rizing (3-2). First ranked FE Nagoya had an easy win 96-74. It was a key game for the top position in the league. FE Nagoya shot 64.0 percent from the field and made 29-of-33 charity shots (87.9 percent) during the game. FE Nagoya outrebounded Rizing 37-26 including a 32-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. 27 personal fouls committed by Rizing helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-90, college: Oklahoma) who scored 22 points and 7 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). His fellow American import forward Jerome Tillman (201-87, college: Ohio, agency: Inception Sports) chipped in 18 points and 7 rebounds. American forward Jeffrey Parmer (203-85, college: FAU) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds and Nigerian forward Chukwudiebere Maduabum (206-91) added 16 points respectively for the guests. 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. The victory was the third consecutive win for FE Nagoya. They maintain first place with 4-1 record. Rizing at the other side keeps the second position with two games lost. FE Nagoya's next round opponent will be again Rizing (#3) in Fukuoka, which may be the game of the day.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: A.Fitzgerald 22+7reb+2ast, J.Tillman 18+7reb+3ast, K.Sugimoto 11+4reb+8ast, M.Shun 10+2reb+5ast, H.Eiji 10+4reb, B.Waldow 9+6reb+1ast
Fukuoka R.: C.Maduabum 16+4reb+1ast, J.Honda 12+1reb+1ast, J.Parmer 12+10reb+2ast, A.Tanno 11+4reb+2ast, N.Spikes 7+2reb+1ast, J.Taniguchi 5+2reb+1ast

Saga B. - Kagawa FA 81-64

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 7th ranked Kagawa FA's (1-4) road loss to sixth ranked Saga B. (3-2) 64-81 on Saturday. Saga B. had a 32-21 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American center Kenny Lawson (207-88, college: Creighton) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds. Swingman Takuya Soma (181-91) contributed with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. American forward Kevin Kotzur (203-89, college: St.Mary's, TX) answered with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds and guard Kanji Takahira (185-93) added 16 points in the effort for Kagawa FA. Four Kagawa FA players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Saga B. moved-up to second place, which they share with 4 other teams. Kagawa FA lost their third game in a row. They keep the seventh position with four games lost. Saga B. will face again Kagawa FA (#7) in Takamatsu in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: K.Lawson 23+10reb+1ast, J.Thorpe 12+4reb+1ast, T.Soma 9+5reb+7ast, M.Bonds 8+7reb+2ast, R.Nakanishi 8+6reb+2ast, S.Reon 7+5ast
Kagawa FA: T.Kanji 16+4reb+2ast, T.Kodama 14+4reb+2ast, K.Kotzur 12+13reb, U.Junki 11+2reb+1ast, M.Abe 4+2reb+1ast, T.Tsukuba 3+2reb



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