B2 League Round 4 of Regular Season

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 Job Market.

Round 4 most important game was a victory of Nishinomiya S. over one of their biggest challengers Tokyo Z 83-81 on Monday night. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international power forward Ryota Nakanishi (199-1988) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 8 rebounds. point guard Noriaki Dohara (178-1989) contributed with 22 points (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. American forward Robert Sampson (203-1992, college: Georgia Tech) replied with 24 points for Tokyo Z. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Nishinomiya S. (3-3) moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Tokyo Z at the other side dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with Aomori W.. Nishinomiya S. is looking forward to face league's second-placed Nagasaki at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Tokyo Z will play against the league's leader Ehime OV and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Fukuoka. Fifth ranked Fukuoka R. (3-3) saved a 2-point victory at home edging one of their biggest challengers Yamagata (3-3) 86-84 in the fight for the third place. Worth to mention a great performance of American point guard Marvelle Harris (196-1993, college: Fresno St., agency: Slash Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 31 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists and Drew Gordon who added 14 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) responded with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Fukuoka R. moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Yamagata. Fukuoka R. will play against Fukushima (#7) on the road in the next round. Yamagata will play against the league's leader Koshigaya A. (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Fukuoka between Fukuoka R. and Yamagata. Fifth ranked Fukuoka R. (3-3) got a very close home victory over one of their biggest challengers Yamagata (3-3). Fukuoka R. managed to escape with a 2-point win 66-64 in the fight for the third place. The winners were led by Marvelle Harris who scored that evening 21 points. Even a double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds by Thomas Welsh did not help to save the game for Yamagata. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Fukuoka R. moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Yamagata. Fukuoka R. will meet Fukushima (#7) on the road in the next round. Yamagata will play against the league's leader Koshigaya A. (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games in round 4 were not that significant. Bambitious N. was smashed by Ehime OV on the road 98-77. Chiba destroyed Fukushima on its own court 84-65. Bambitious N. unfortunately lost to Ehime OV in Matsuyama 84-90. Saga B. recorded a loss to Koshigaya A. at home 66-75. Aomori W. was defeated by Nagasaki on the opponent's court 103-87. Kagawa FA was beaten by Kumamoto V. in a home game 74-91. Aomori W. lost to Nagasaki on the road 80-97. Saga B. unfortunately lost to Koshigaya A. on its own court 75-83. Fukushima recorded a loss to Chiba in a road game 78-87. Kagawa FA was crushed by Kumamoto V. at home 67-93. Nishinomiya S. was beaten by Tokyo Z on the opponent's court 95-87.

Ehime OV - Bambitious N. 98-77

No shocking result in a game when first ranked Ehime OV (5-1) crushed 7th ranked Bambitious N. (1-5) in Matsuyama 98-77 on Friday. Ehime OV made 23-of-27 free shots (85.2 percent) during the game. Ehime OV outrebounded Bambitious N. 44-30 including 30 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The winners were led by American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 23 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists (made all of his eleven free throws !!!) and American-German center Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa) supported him with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Four Ehime OV players scored in double figures. Even 25 points and 6 rebounds by American guard Christian James (194-1996, college: Oklahoma) did not help to save the game for Bambitious N.. American-Portuguese Jeremiah Wilson (205-1988, college: Tarleton St.) added 19 points and 7 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. Ehime OV have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 5-1 record, which they share with Koshigaya A. and Nagasaki. Bambitious N. lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with Kagawa FA and Fukushima. Ehime OV will meet Tokyo Z (#6) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Bambitious N. will play against Aomori W. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: E.Phelps 23+13reb+6ast, R.Kriener 20+10reb+2ast, Y.Toshino 15+4reb+4ast, A.Fitzgerald 14+4reb+2ast, S.Ishii 11+1reb+1ast, T.Furuno 7+5reb+10ast
Bambitious N.: C.James 25+6reb+3ast, J.Wilson 19+7reb+2ast, C.Mbodj 15+7reb, N.Uto 5+1ast, T.Keitaro 5+5reb+1ast, T.Komoda 5+1ast

Chiba - Fukushima 84-65

Very expected game when 7th ranked Fukushima (1-5) was smashed on the road by third ranked Chiba (4-2) 84-65 on Saturday. Chiba dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Fukushima's 36 and made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American power forward Evan Ravenel (204-1989, college: Ohio St.) who scored that evening 22 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import forward Leo Lyons (206-1987, college: Missouri) supported him with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Chiba players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds by American forward Josh Harrellson (208-1989, college: Kentucky) did not help to save the game for Fukushima. Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (206-1990, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) added 9 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Fukushima's coach rotated twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Chiba moved-up to second place, which they share with Kumamoto V. Fukushima lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. They share it with Kagawa FA and Bambitious N.. Chiba will meet at home Kagawa FA (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Fukushima will play against Fukuoka R. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba: E.Ravenel 22+5reb+2ast, B.Ashley 13+7reb+2ast, L.Lyons 13+7reb+4ast, Y.Otsuka 10+3reb+4ast, K.Sugimoto 10+4reb, F.Kota 8+3reb+5ast
Fukushima: J.Harrellson 18+10reb+3ast, G.Echenique 9+10reb, Y.Takahashi 8+3reb+1ast, S.Murakami 7+1reb+2ast, N.Hashimoto 6+2reb+1ast, G.Cheon 5+2reb+3ast

Ehime OV - Bambitious N. 90-84

Very predictable result when first ranked Ehime OV (5-1) won against 7th ranked Bambitious N. (1-5) in Matsuyama 90-84 on Saturday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Ehime OV made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by American-German center Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa) who scored that evening 27 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and Yoshihiko Toshino (186-1992) supported him with 25 points and 5 rebounds. Even 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists by American guard Christian James (194-1996, college: Oklahoma) did not help to save the game for Bambitious N.. Senegalese center Cheikh Mbodj (208-1987, college: Cincinnati, agency: Octagon Europe) added 16 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Four Ehime OV and five Bambitious N. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Ehime OV have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 5-1 record, which they share with Koshigaya A. and Nagasaki. Bambitious N. lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with Kagawa FA and Fukushima. Ehime OV will meet Tokyo Z (#6) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Bambitious N. will play against Aomori W. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: R.Kriener 27+9reb+3ast, Y.Toshino 25+5reb+2ast, E.Phelps 15+8reb+2ast, T.Furuno 11+1reb+10ast, A.Fitzgerald 6+4reb, K.Yahata 3
Bambitious N.: C.James 20+6reb+4ast, J.Wilson 17+7reb+1ast, C.Mbodj 16+10reb+2ast, N.Uto 15+3reb+6ast, S.Fujitaka 11+2reb+3ast, Y.Tomoya 3

Saga B. - Koshigaya A. 66-75

Not a big story in a game when 4th ranked Saga B. (3-3) lost at home to first ranked Koshigaya A. (5-1) 75-66 on Saturday. Koshigaya A. made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. Koshigaya A. had a 31-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. The winners were led by American center Isaac Butts (208-1989, college: App State) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 13 points and 18 rebounds and guard Hayate Komasawa (188-1998) supported him with 17 points. Even a double-double of 14 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists by Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) did not help to save the game for Saga B.. American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) added 13 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Four Saga B. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Koshigaya A. have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 5-1 record, which they share with Ehime OV and Nagasaki. Loser Saga B. dropped to the third place with three games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Koshigaya A. will meet Yamagata (#4) on the road in the next round. Saga B. will play against Kumamoto V. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: K.Hayate 17+2reb+3ast, I.Butts 13+18reb+2ast, S.Kikuchi 13+2reb, J.Harper 9+9reb+1ast, M.Shun 7+2reb, K.Makoto 6+5reb
Saga B.: R.Garcia 14+12reb+4ast, T.Nishikawa 13+1reb+3ast, C.Fieler 13+7reb+1ast, S.Taiki 12+1reb, M.McIntosh 6+1reb, I.Ryota 3+1reb

Nagasaki - Aomori W. 103-87

Everything went according to plan when second ranked Nagasaki (5-1) defeated at home 5th ranked Aomori W. (2-4) 103-87 on Saturday. Nagasaki made 18-of-19 free shots (94.7 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. The winners were led by American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) and Filipino-Australian guard Jordan Heading (188-1996, college: CBU) supported him with 25 points. Even a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds by American center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech) did not help to save the game for Aomori W.. His fellow American import forward Alex Davis (206-1992, college: Fresno St.) added 15 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Nagasaki have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Koshigaya A. and Ehime OV. Loser Aomori W. keeps the fifth place with four games lost. They share the position with Tokyo Z. Nagasaki will meet Nishinomiya S. (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Aomori W. will play against Bambitious N. in Nara and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: J.Heading 25+1ast, M.Bonds 18+10reb+7ast, D.Dickson 13+2reb, K.Matsumoto 12+2reb+5ast, M.Karimata 10+1reb+4ast, J.Gibbs 7+6reb+3ast
Aomori W.: M.Hisatake 21+15reb+1ast, A.Davis 15+8reb+3ast, A.Uchida 12+2reb+2ast, K.Aita 11+4reb+3ast, E.Montgomery 9+8reb+2ast, I.Yuichi 8+2reb+4ast

Kagawa FA - Kumamoto V. 74-91

There was no surprise when 6th ranked Kagawa FA (1-5) lost to third ranked Kumamoto V. (4-2) in Takamatsu 74-91 on Saturday. Kumamoto V. dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Kagawa FA's 30. They outrebounded Kagawa FA 44-31 including a 32-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Kumamoto V. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by American center Jamel McLean (202-1988, college: Xavier) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and British forward Benjamin Lawson (216-1995, college: WKU) supported him with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks. Four Kumamoto V. players scored in double figures. Even 27 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) by Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) did not help to save the game for Kagawa FA. British forward Myles Hesson (198-1990, agency: Octagon Europe) added 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Kumamoto V. moved-up to second place, which they share with Chiba. Kagawa FA lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with five games lost. They share it with Bambitious N. and Fukushima. Kumamoto V. will meet at home Saga B. (#5) in the next round. Kagawa FA will play against the league's second-placed Chiba and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: T.Woodbury 16+5reb+4ast, B.Lawson 15+12reb+2ast, J.McLean 15+11reb+4ast, R.Tawatari 10+3reb+3ast, H.Taniguchi 9+2reb+2ast, R.Motomura 8+3reb+2ast
Kagawa FA: A.Brandt 27+6reb+2ast, M.Hesson 14+8reb+4ast, R.Vague 13+6reb+3ast, R.Adams 6+3reb, T.Kodama 4+1reb+2ast, H.Kotaro 4+4ast

Nagasaki - Aomori W. 97-80

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Nagasaki (5-1) beat at home 5th ranked Aomori W. (2-4) 97-80 on Sunday. Nagasaki forced 27 Aomori W. turnovers. Strangely Aomori W. outrebounded Nagasaki 37-21 including a 25-11 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) who scored that evening 22 points, 7 assists and 4 steals and forward Jeffrey Gibbs (188-1980, college: Otterbein) supported him with 15 points and 8 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws). Five Nagasaki players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 20 points and 15 rebounds by center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech) did not help to save the game for Aomori W.. Power forward EJ Montgomery (208-1999, college: Kentucky) added 22 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Nagasaki have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Koshigaya A. and Ehime OV. Loser Aomori W. keeps the fifth place with four games lost. They share the position with Tokyo Z. Nagasaki will meet Nishinomiya S. (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Aomori W. will play against Bambitious N. in Nara and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: M.Bonds 22+4reb+7ast, J.Gibbs 15+8reb+3ast, M.Karimata 12+2reb+1ast, D.Dickson 11+3ast, K.Matsumoto 11+2reb+2ast, J.Heading 10+1reb+5ast
Aomori W.: E.Montgomery 22+7reb+1ast, M.Hisatake 20+15reb+3ast, A.Uchida 11+3reb+2ast, A.Davis 6+6reb+4ast, D.Shimoyama 6+1reb+2ast, I.Yuichi 4+2reb+2ast

Saga B. - Koshigaya A. 75-83

Rather expected game when 4th ranked Saga B. (3-3) lost at home to first ranked Koshigaya A. (5-1) 83-75 on Sunday. Koshigaya A. dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Saga B.'s 38. They outrebounded Saga B. 45-29 including 32 on the defensive glass. The winners were led by American power forward Brekkott Chapman (206-1996, college: Weber St.) who scored that evening 24 points and 9 rebounds and the other American import forward Justin Harper (208-1989, college: Richmond) supported him with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Even 15 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists by Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) did not help to save the game for Saga B.. Canadian forward Mikyle McIntosh (201-1994, college: Oregon) added 21 points for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Koshigaya A. have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 5-1 record, which they share with Ehime OV and Nagasaki. Loser Saga B. dropped to the third place with three games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Koshigaya A. will meet Yamagata (#4) on the road in the next round. Saga B. will play against Kumamoto V. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: B.Chapman 24+9reb+1ast, J.Harper 22+8reb+3ast, I.Butts 12+10reb+1ast, T.Hasegawa 9+4reb+3ast, S.Kikuchi 8+2reb+1ast, M.Shun 4+3reb+1ast
Saga B.: M.McIntosh 21+3reb+1ast, R.Garcia 15+9reb+5ast, S.Taiki 11+2reb+9ast, Y.Mitsuhara 7+1ast, C.Fieler 7+5reb+1ast, T.Nishikawa 5+3reb+1ast

Chiba - Fukushima 87-78

Rather predictable result when third ranked Chiba (4-2) won against at home 7th ranked Fukushima (1-5) 87-78 on Sunday. Chiba looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. The winners were led by American power forward Evan Ravenel (204-1989, college: Ohio St.) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds and guard Daisuke Kobayashi (189-1987) supported him with 19 points and 5 assists. Even a double-double of 12 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists by American forward Josh Harrellson (208-1989, college: Kentucky) did not help to save the game for Fukushima. Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (206-1990, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) added 14 points and 6 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for lost side. Four Chiba and five Fukushima players scored in double figures. Fukushima's coach rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Chiba moved-up to second place, which they share with Kumamoto V. Fukushima lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. They share it with Kagawa FA and Bambitious N.. Chiba will meet at home Kagawa FA (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Fukushima will play against Fukuoka R. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba: E.Ravenel 21+12reb+1ast, D.Kobayashi 19+1reb+5ast, B.Ashley 14+8reb+1ast, Y.Otsuka 12+2ast, L.Lyons 6+4reb+3ast, Y.Okada 5
Fukushima: N.Hashimoto 15+2reb+3ast, G.Echenique 14+6reb+2ast, J.Harrellson 12+12reb+5ast, S.Murakami 11+2reb+3ast, E.Murphy 10+5reb+5ast, T.Hasegawa 8+4reb+3ast

Kagawa FA - Kumamoto V. 67-93

Not a big story in a game when 6th ranked Kagawa FA (1-5) was outscored by third ranked Kumamoto V. (4-2) in Takamatsu 93-67 on Sunday. Kumamoto V. made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. Kumamoto V. outrebounded Kagawa FA 42-30 including a 34-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The winners were led by British forward Benjamin Lawson (216-1995, college: WKU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds and American guard Terrance Woodbury (201-1987, college: Georgia) supported him with 21 points and 4 assists (made all of his eight free throws). Woodbury is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Even 21 points and 5 rebounds by Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) did not help to save the game for Kagawa FA. British forward Myles Hesson (198-1990, agency: Octagon Europe) added 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists 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. Kumamoto V. moved-up to second place, which they share with Chiba. Kagawa FA lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with five games lost. They share it with Bambitious N. and Fukushima. Kumamoto V. will meet at home Saga B. (#5) in the next round. Kagawa FA will play against the league's second-placed Chiba and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: T.Woodbury 21+4reb+4ast, B.Lawson 17+13reb+3ast, J.McLean 16+6reb+1ast, Y.Shota 9+3reb, H.Taniguchi 8+4reb+2ast, I.Hiroaki 7+2reb+2ast
Kagawa FA: A.Brandt 21+5reb+3ast, M.Hesson 16+7reb+5ast, R.Vague 7+6reb+2ast, R.Adams 6+5reb, H.Kotaro 4+1reb+3ast, T.Kodama 4+2reb+4ast

Tokyo Z - Nishinomiya S. 95-87

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourth ranked Tokyo Z's (2-4) home victory over 5th ranked Nishinomiya S. (3-3) 95-87 on Sunday. Tokyo Z dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Nishinomiya S.'s 38. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American power forward Reginald Buckner (206-1991, college: Ole Miss) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds and guard Masashi Joho (183-1982) supported him with 20 points and 4 assists. Even 17 points and 5 assists by American forward DeQuan Jones (203-1990, college: Miami, FL) did not help to save the game for Nishinomiya S.. Slovenian center Ziga Dimec (210-1993) added 13 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Five Tokyo Z and four Nishinomiya S. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Despite that victory Tokyo Z went down to fifth position due to points difference, which they share with Aomori W. Loser Nishinomiya S. dropped to the third place with three games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Tokyo Z will meet at home league's leader Ehime OV in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Nishinomiya S. will play against the league's second-placed Nagasaki and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Z: R.Buckner 22+14reb+1ast, M.Joho 20+1reb+4ast, R.Sampson 18+6reb, K.Tsubasa 14+1reb+6ast, Y.Ide 10+4reb+7ast, E.Thomas 8+2reb+2ast
Nishinomiya S.: D.Jones 17+2reb+5ast, N.Dohara 14+3reb+2ast, Z.Dimec 13+7reb+3ast, T.Porter 10+7reb, N.Tani 9+2reb+2ast, R.Nakanishi 8+4reb

Tokyo Z - Nishinomiya S. 81-83

Round 4 most important game was a victory of Nishinomiya S. over one of their biggest challengers Tokyo Z 83-81 on Monday night. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international power forward Ryota Nakanishi (199-1988) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 8 rebounds. Point guard Noriaki Dohara (178-1989) contributed with 22 points (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. American forward Robert Sampson (203-1992, college: Georgia Tech) replied with 24 points and his fellow American import power forward Reginald Buckner (206-1991, college: Ole Miss) added 12 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks in the effort for Tokyo Z. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Nishinomiya S. (3-3) moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Tokyo Z at the other side dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with Aomori W.. Nishinomiya S. is looking forward to face league's second-placed Nagasaki at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Tokyo Z will play against the league's leader Ehime OV and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Nishinomiya S.: N.Dohara 22+1reb+3ast, R.Nakanishi 18+8reb+1ast, D.Jones 14+4reb+3ast, T.Porter 10+9reb+1ast, N.Tani 8+4reb+2ast, Z.Dimec 6+5reb+2ast
Tokyo Z: R.Sampson 24+4reb+2ast, M.Joho 19+2reb+5ast, E.Thomas 13+6reb+3ast, R.Buckner 12+15reb+1ast, K.Fujioka 5+1reb+1ast, Y.Ide 3+5ast

Fukuoka R. - Yamagata 86-84

Important game to mention about took place in Fukuoka. Fifth ranked Fukuoka R. (3-3) saved a 2-point victory at home edging one of their biggest challengers Yamagata (3-3) 86-84 in the fight for the third place. Fukuoka R. dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Yamagata's 36. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American point guard Marvelle Harris (196-1993, college: Fresno St., agency: Slash Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 31 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists and the other American import center Drew Gordon (206-1990, college: N.Mexico) who added 14 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) responded with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and American-Panamanian center Javier Carter (203-1991, college: USA, agency: Slash Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds. Five Yamagata players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Fukuoka R. moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Yamagata. Fukuoka R. will play against Fukushima (#7) on the road in the next round. Yamagata will play against the league's leader Koshigaya A. (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: M.Harris 31+10reb+8ast, D.Gordon 14+5reb+2ast, I.Tomohiro 8+1reb, J.Glynn 8+3reb+1ast, S.Shigetomi 7+2reb+5ast, Y.Nagayoshi 7+6reb+3ast
Yamagata: S.Murakami 20+1ast, J.Bell 18+9reb+5ast, J.Carter 18+11reb+2ast, T.Welsh 12+7reb+1ast, T.Tahara 11+3reb+3ast, J.Maniwa 5+2reb+3ast

Fukuoka R. - Yamagata 66-64

A very close game took place in Fukuoka between Fukuoka R. and Yamagata. Fifth ranked Fukuoka R. (3-3) got a very close home victory over one of their biggest challengers Yamagata (3-3). Fukuoka R. managed to escape with a 2-point win 66-64 in the fight for the third place. The winners were led by American point guard Marvelle Harris (196-1993, college: Fresno St., agency: Slash Sports) who scored that evening 21 points and the other American import forward Jordan Glynn (200-1989, college: SF Austin) supported him with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Even a double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds by American center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Yamagata. American-Panamanian center Javier Carter (203-1991, college: USA, agency: Slash Sports) added 14 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Four Yamagata players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Fukuoka R. moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Yamagata. Fukuoka R. will meet Fukushima (#7) on the road in the next round. Yamagata will play against the league's leader Koshigaya A. (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: M.Harris 21+4reb+3ast, J.Glynn 11+6reb+2ast, S.Shigetomi 10+3reb+3ast, Y.Nagayoshi 8+1reb, I.Tomohiro 6+2reb+2ast, I.Yuma 3+3reb+1ast
Yamagata: T.Welsh 20+16reb, J.Carter 14+5reb+1ast, S.Murakami 10+4reb+5ast, S.Yusuke 10+5reb+1ast, J.Bell 6+6reb+4ast, Y.Yuya 2+2ast



Tags : RYOTA NAKANISHI, NISHINOMIYA STORKS, JAPANESE BASKETBALL