B2 League Round 15: #1 Koshigaya A. is defeated by Aomori W.

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Koshigaya A. (14-3) on the court of fifth ranked Aomori W. on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by Aomori W. 82-71. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Koshigaya A.. Aomori W. dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Koshigaya A.'s 22. Aomori W. forced 22 Koshigaya A. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a great evening for American power forward EJ Montgomery (208-1999, college: Kentucky) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points and 9 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Alex Davis (206-1992, college: Fresno St.) helped adding 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was American power forward Brekkott Chapman (206-1996, college: Weber St.) with a double-double by scoring 31 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Aomori W. maintains fifth place with 7-10 record. Koshigaya A. at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. Aomori W. are looking forward to face Bambitious N. (#7) in Nara in the next round. Koshigaya A. will play at home against Fukuoka R. (#5) and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Saga. First ranked Saga B. (12-5) saved a 2-point victory at home edging second-best Ehime OV (10-7) 79-77 on Sunday evening. It was an exceptional evening for Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Mikyle McIntosh accounted for 24 points and 5 rebounds. American-German power forward Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa) came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds for Ehime OV in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Saga B. have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 12-5 record, which they share with Chiba. Ehime OV at the other side dropped to the fourth position with seven games lost. Saga B. will play against Nishinomiya S. (#4) in Hyogo in the next round. Ehime OV will play at home against the league's second-placed Nagasaki and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Fukuoka between Kumamoto V. and Fukuoka R.. Third ranked Kumamoto V. (11-6) got a very close victory on the road over 5th ranked Fukuoka R. (8-9). Kumamoto V. managed to escape with a 2-point win 81-79 on Monday evening. The best player for the winners was Terrance Woodbury who scored 24 points. At the other side the best for losing team was Marvelle Harris who recorded 29 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Kumamoto V. moved-up to second place, which they share with Nagasaki. Loser Fukuoka R. dropped to the fourth position with nine games lost. They share it with Nishinomiya S.. Kumamoto V. will meet at home Kagawa FA (#6) in the next round. Fukuoka R. will play against the league's leader Koshigaya A. in Tokyo and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 15: Nishinomiya S. lost to Kagawa FA on the opponent's court 78-82. Yamagata managed to outperform Tokyo Z in a home game 77-74. Chiba managed to beat Bambitious N. on the road 79-61. Nagasaki defeated Fukushima on its own court 88-80. Kumamoto V. smashed Fukuoka R. in a road game 74-55.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 9 points and 14 rebounds by Kevin Kotzur of Kumamoto V..

Kagawa FA - Nishinomiya S. 82-78

There was a minor upset in Takamatsu where 3rd placed Nishinomiya S. (8-9) was defeated by sixth ranked Kagawa FA (6-11) 82-78 on Sunday. Kagawa FA made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The best player for the winners was British forward Myles Hesson (198-1990, agency: Octagon Europe) who scored 39 points (!!!), 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 blocks. Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-1996) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Trey Porter (208-1996, college: Nevada) who recorded a double-double by scoring 10 points and 14 rebounds and point guard Shota Watanabe (180-1993) added 18 points and 5 assists respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Kagawa FA maintains sixth place with 6-11 record. Loser Nishinomiya S. dropped to the fourth position with nine games lost. They share it with Fukuoka R.. Kagawa FA will meet higher ranked Kumamoto V. (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Nishinomiya S. will play against the league's leader Saga B. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nishinomiya S.: S.Watanabe 18+1reb+5ast, D.Jones 16+5reb+1ast, K.Sena 12+1reb, T.Porter 10+14reb+1ast, T.Yusuke 7+3reb+6ast, Z.Dimec 6+10reb+2ast
Kagawa FA: M.Hesson 39+8reb+4ast, U.Junki 10+1reb, R.Vague 10+11reb+4ast, R.Adams 7+9reb+2ast, I.Ryo 6+4reb+2ast, A.Alexander 5+1reb+2ast

Yamagata - Tokyo Z 77-74

Rather predictable result when fourth ranked Yamagata (9-8) edged at home 7th ranked Tokyo Z (3-14) 77-74 on Sunday. Yamagata made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Yamagata made 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was American James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) who scored 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American-Panamanian center Javier Carter (203-1991, college: USA, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds. Five Yamagata players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American center Joshua Crawford (211-1988, college: Indiana St.) who recorded 18 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import power forward Reginald Buckner (206-1991, college: Ole Miss) added 14 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Yamagata. They moved-up to third place. Tokyo Z lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the seventh position with 14 games lost. They share it with Bambitious N.. Yamagata will meet league's second-placed Chiba on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Tokyo Z will play against Fukushima (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Z: J.Crawford 18+8reb+1ast, R.Buckner 14+8reb+1ast, O.Kazuma 11+3reb+4ast, Y.Ide 9+2reb+5ast, K.Tsubasa 6+4reb+1ast, M.Joho 6+5reb+1ast
Yamagata: J.Bell 14+9reb+4ast, J.Carter 13+8reb+2ast, T.Tahara 12, Y.Yuya 11+1reb+2ast, T.Welsh 10+8reb, D.Suzuki 6+1reb+1ast

Bambitious N. - Chiba 61-79

Not a big story in a game in Nara where 7th ranked Bambitious N. (3-14) was defeated by second ranked Chiba (12-5) 79-61 on Sunday. Chiba dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Bambitious N.'s 28. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American power forward Evan Ravenel (204-1989, college: Ohio St.) who had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Leo Lyons (206-1987, college: Missouri) chipped in 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Chiba players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American-Portuguese Jeremiah Wilson (205-1988, college: Tarleton St.) who recorded 9 points and 9 rebounds and Senegalese center Cheikh Mbodj (208-1987, college: Cincinnati, agency: Octagon Europe) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Chiba used an opportunity after Saga B. lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. Loser Bambitious N. keeps the seventh place with 14 games lost. They share the position with Tokyo Z. Chiba will meet at home Yamagata (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Bambitious N. will play against Aomori W. (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bambitious N.: T.Komoda 12, C.Mbodj 10+6reb+1ast, J.Wilson 9+9reb+2ast, Y.Tomoya 8+2ast, M.Komaki 7+4reb+2ast, N.Uto 7+3reb+6ast
Chiba: E.Ravenel 23+10reb+3ast, L.Lyons 15+7reb+4ast, B.Ashley 13+8reb+1ast, K.Sugimoto 11+5reb+5ast, D.Kobayashi 7+4reb+1ast, K.Paras 4+1reb+4ast

Saga B. - Ehime OV 79-77

Important game to mention about took place in Saga. First ranked Saga B. (12-5) saved a 2-point victory at home edging second-best Ehime OV (10-7) 79-77 on Sunday evening. Ehime OV was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. It was an exceptional evening for Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Canadian forward Mikyle McIntosh (201-1994, college: Oregon) accounted for 24 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. American-German power forward Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa) came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds and American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) added 23 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) respectively for Ehime OV in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Saga B. have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 12-5 record, which they share with Chiba. Ehime OV at the other side dropped to the fourth position with seven games lost. Saga B. will play against Nishinomiya S. (#4) in Hyogo in the next round. Ehime OV will play at home against the league's second-placed Nagasaki and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: E.Phelps 23+6reb+2ast, R.Kriener 17+13reb+2ast, A.Sakata 9+1reb+1ast, A.Fitzgerald 7+6reb, Y.Toshino 6+4ast, K.Yahata 5+1ast
Saga B.: M.McIntosh 24+5reb, R.Garcia 22+12reb+7ast, T.Nishikawa 12+4reb+4ast, S.Taiki 7+5reb+2ast, Y.Mitsuhara 5+5reb+2ast, P.Faye 4+5reb+2ast

Nagasaki - Fukushima 88-80

Everything went according to plan when third ranked Nagasaki (11-6) beat at home 6th ranked Fukushima (5-12) 88-80 on Sunday. Nagasaki looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. His fellow American import forward Jeffrey Gibbs (188-1980, college: Otterbein) chipped in 19 points and 5 rebounds. Five Nagasaki players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (206-1990, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) who recorded 21 points and 6 rebounds and American forward Josh Harrellson (208-1989, college: Kentucky) added 13 points and 10 rebounds respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Nagasaki moved-up to second place, which they share with Kumamoto V. Loser Fukushima keeps the sixth position with 12 games lost. Nagasaki will meet Ehime OV (#4) in the next round. Fukushima will play against Tokyo Z and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fukushima: G.Echenique 21+6reb+3ast, T.Hasegawa 16+4reb+4ast, J.Harrellson 13+10reb+3ast, E.Murphy 8+9reb+3ast, S.Kanno 8+1ast, K.Tomori 6+1reb
Nagasaki: J.Gibbs 19+5reb+3ast, M.Bonds 16+10reb+5ast, L.Peak 14+6reb+3ast, J.Heading 13+1reb+3ast, M.Karimata 11+1reb+4ast, E.Yamamoto 6+2reb+5ast

Aomori W. - Koshigaya A. 82-71

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Koshigaya A. (14-3) on the court of fifth ranked Aomori W. on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by Aomori W. 82-71. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Koshigaya A.. Aomori W. dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Koshigaya A.'s 22. Aomori W. forced 22 Koshigaya A. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a great evening for American power forward EJ Montgomery (208-1999, college: Kentucky) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points and 9 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Alex Davis (206-1992, college: Fresno St.) helped adding 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Aomori W. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American power forward Brekkott Chapman (206-1996, college: Weber St.) with a double-double by scoring 31 points and 12 rebounds and point guard Shun Matsuyama (175-1996) scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Aomori W. maintains fifth place with 7-10 record. Koshigaya A. at the other side still keeps top position with three games lost. Aomori W. are looking forward to face Bambitious N. (#7) in Nara in the next round. Koshigaya A. will play at home against Fukuoka R. (#5) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: B.Chapman 31+12reb+2ast, M.Shun 10+8reb+2ast, J.Harper 8+5reb+1ast, K.Hayate 8+4ast, K.Makoto 6+4reb+4ast, T.Hasegawa 3+1reb+1ast
Aomori W.: E.Montgomery 24+9reb+3ast, A.Davis 17+10reb+4ast, I.Yuichi 11+4reb+3ast, A.Uchida 11+3reb+6ast, M.Hisatake 8+3reb, K.Tsuneta 5+2reb+2ast

Fukuoka R. - Kumamoto V. 79-81

A very close game took place in Fukuoka between Kumamoto V. and Fukuoka R.. Third ranked Kumamoto V. (11-6) got a very close victory on the road over 5th ranked Fukuoka R. (8-9). Kumamoto V. managed to escape with a 2-point win 81-79 on Monday evening. Kumamoto V. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Terrance Woodbury (201-1987, college: Georgia) who scored 24 points. Guard Shota Yamamoto (188-1999) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds. Woodbury is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. At the other side the best for losing team was American point guard Marvelle Harris (196-1993, college: Fresno St., agency: Slash Sports) who recorded 29 points and the other American import center Drew Gordon (206-1990, college: N.Mexico) added 10 points and 13 rebounds respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Kumamoto V. moved-up to second place, which they share with Nagasaki. Loser Fukuoka R. dropped to the fourth position with nine games lost. They share it with Nishinomiya S.. Kumamoto V. will meet at home Kagawa FA (#6) in the next round. Fukuoka R. will play against the league's leader Koshigaya A. in Tokyo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: M.Harris 29+3reb+3ast, J.Glynn 12+8reb+2ast, D.Gordon 10+13reb+1ast, T.Kan 7+3reb+3ast, T.Shirato 6, Y.Nagayoshi 5+3reb+1ast
Kumamoto V.: T.Woodbury 24+2reb+2ast, Y.Shota 14+6reb+1ast, C.Sow 13+3reb+1ast, H.Taniguchi 7+1reb, K.Kotzur 7+8reb+2ast, R.Tawatari 5+1reb+3ast

Fukuoka R. - Kumamoto V. 55-74

There was no surprise when 5th ranked Fukuoka R. (8-9) was outplayed at home by third ranked Kumamoto V. (11-6) 74-55 on Tuesday. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was forward Kevin Kotzur (203-1989, college: St.Mary's, TX, agency: Green Sports Management) who scored 9 points and 14 rebounds. Guard Terrance Woodbury (201-1987, college: Georgia) chipped in 16 points. Woodbury is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. At the other side the best for losing team was center Drew Gordon (206-1990, college: N.Mexico) who recorded 7 points and 18 rebounds and forward Jordan Glynn (200-1989, college: SF Austin) added 13 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Kumamoto V. moved-up to second place, which they share with Nagasaki. Loser Fukuoka R. dropped to the fourth position with nine games lost. They share it with Nishinomiya S.. Kumamoto V. will meet at home Kagawa FA (#6) in the next round. Fukuoka R. will play against the league's leader Koshigaya A. in Tokyo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: M.Harris 20+2reb, J.Glynn 13+8reb+2ast, D.Gordon 7+18reb+3ast, I.Yuma 4, T.Kan 3+3reb+2ast, I.Tomohiro 2
Kumamoto V.: T.Woodbury 16+3reb+2ast, Y.Shota 15+4reb, H.Taniguchi 13+3reb, K.Kotzur 9+14reb+2ast, C.Sow 8+6reb+1ast, N.Ren 7+1reb+3ast



Tags : E.J. MONTGOMERY, AOMORI WATTS, JAPANESE BASKETBALL