B2 League Round 20 of Regular Season

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

B2 League round 20 most important game was a victory of Ehime OV over one of their biggest challengers Yamagata 88-71 on Saturday night. Ehime OV dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Yamagata's 40. American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) orchestrated the victory by scoring 29 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-1990, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) contributed with 16 points and 4 assists for the winners. American center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 14 rebounds for Yamagata. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ehime OV maintains fourth position with 11-11 record. Yamagata at the other side keeps the third place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Aomori W.. Ehime OV will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Yamagata will play again at home against Ehime OV and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Fifth-ranked Nishinomiya S. (9-13) was very close to win a game against second ranked Chiba (17-5). Chiba managed to secure only one-point victory 75-74. However their fans expected easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of American Brandon Ashley (206-1994, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and Leo Lyons who added 14 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Chiba's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Trey Porter (208-1996, college: Nevada) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Chiba have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Saga B. Nishinomiya S. at the other side keeps the fifth place with 13 games lost. They share the position with Fukuoka R. and Fukushima. Chiba will again play against Nishinomiya S. (#6) in Hyogo in the next round where they are favorite. Nishinomiya S. will have a break next round.
An interesting game for Koshigaya A. (18-5) which played road game in Kumamoto against 3rd ranked Kumamoto V. (13-10). First ranked Koshigaya A. had an easy win 77-60. The winners were led by Justin Harper who scored that evening 17 points and 7 rebounds. Even a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds by Terrance Woodbury did not help to save the game for Kumamoto V.. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Koshigaya A. maintains first position with 18-5 record. Kumamoto V. lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with ten 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 20: Nagasaki was beaten by Saga B. on the road 102-94. Bambitious N. won against Kagawa FA on its own court 96-85. Koshigaya A. managed to outperform Kumamoto V. in Tokyo 103-89. Aomori W. recorded a loss to Fukushima at home 72-84. Fukuoka R. defeated Tokyo Z on the opponent's court 83-65.
The most impressive performance of 20th round was 32 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists by Jordan Glynn of Fukuoka R..

Kumamoto V. - Koshigaya A. 60-77

An interesting game for Koshigaya A. (18-5) which played road game in Kumamoto against 3rd ranked Kumamoto V. (13-10). First ranked Koshigaya A. had an easy win 77-60. Koshigaya A. forced 20 Kumamoto V. turnovers and outrebounded them 43-25 including 31 on the defensive glass. The winners were led by American forward Justin Harper (208-1989, college: Richmond) who scored that evening 17 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import power forward Brekkott Chapman (206-1996, college: Weber St.) supported him with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Even a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds by American guard Terrance Woodbury (201-1987, college: Georgia) did not help to save the game for Kumamoto V.. Guard Shota Yamamoto (188-1999) added 12 points and 4 assists for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Koshigaya A. maintains first position with 18-5 record. Kumamoto V. lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with ten games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: T.Woodbury 23+10reb+3ast, Y.Shota 12+3reb+4ast, C.Sow 7+4reb, R.Motomura 6+2reb+2ast, I.Hiroaki 6+1reb+1ast, K.Kotzur 4+4reb+2ast
Koshigaya A.: J.Harper 17+7reb+2ast, K.Makoto 14+3reb+1ast, B.Chapman 10+13reb+2ast, M.Shun 10+1reb+3ast, K.Hayate 8+5reb+2ast, I.Butts 8+7reb+1ast

Chiba - Nishinomiya S. 75-74

Fifth-ranked Nishinomiya S. (9-13) was very close to win a game against second ranked Chiba (17-5). Chiba managed to secure only one-point victory 75-74. However their fans expected easier game. Strangely Nishinomiya S. outrebounded Chiba 45-24 including a 23-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. They brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of American Brandon Ashley (206-1994, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import forward Leo Lyons (206-1987, college: Missouri) who added 14 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Chiba's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Trey Porter (208-1996, college: Nevada) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and Slovenian center Ziga Dimec (210-1993) scored 8 points and 12 rebounds. Chiba have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Saga B. Nishinomiya S. at the other side keeps the fifth place with 13 games lost. They share the position with Fukuoka R. and Fukushima. Chiba will again play against Nishinomiya S. (#6) in Hyogo in the next round where they are favorite. Nishinomiya S. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Nishinomiya S.: T.Porter 18+14reb+1ast, N.Tani 11+1reb, D.Jones 10+5reb+2ast, S.Watanabe 10+2reb+3ast, T.Yusuke 9+2reb+3ast, Z.Dimec 8+12reb+3ast
Chiba: B.Ashley 16+6reb+4ast, L.Lyons 14+5reb+3ast, Y.Otsuka 13+2reb+2ast, K.Sugimoto 9+3reb+3ast, K.Paras 7+1reb, E.Ravenel 7+5reb+1ast

Saga B. - Nagasaki 102-94

The game between closely ranked teams ended with first ranked Saga B.'s (17-5) home victory over second-ranked Nagasaki (15-7) 102-94 on Saturday. Saga B. shot 61.1 percent from the field and made 25-of-29 free shots (86.2 percent) during the game. Strangely Nagasaki outrebounded Saga B. 39-26 including a 20-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Saga B. especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.9 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) who scored that evening 38 points (!!!), 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals and the former international forward Takanobu Nishikawa (195-1992) supported him with 25 points. Even a double-double of 19 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists by American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) did not help to save the game for Nagasaki. His fellow American import forward Jeffrey Gibbs (188-1980, college: Otterbein) added 15 points and 10 rebounds for the guests. Five Nagasaki players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Saga B. have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 17-5 record, which they share with Chiba. Newly promoted Nagasaki keeps the second place with seven games lost. Saga B. will again meet at home league's second-placed Nagasaki in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Nagasaki will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: M.Bonds 19+16reb+4ast, J.Gibbs 15+10reb+1ast, D.Noguchi 13+1ast, J.Heading 13+2reb+3ast, K.Matsumoto 11+7reb+5ast, L.Peak 11+4reb+3ast
Saga B.: R.Garcia 38+5reb+6ast, T.Nishikawa 25+2reb+2ast, M.McIntosh 18+3reb+2ast, Y.Mitsuhara 8+2reb+1ast, I.Ryota 6+1reb+1ast, C.Fieler 5+4reb+3ast

Bambitious N. - Kagawa FA 96-85

There was a minor upset when 5th ranked Kagawa FA (8-14) lost to seventh ranked Bambitious N. (5-17) in Nara 85-96 on Saturday. Bambitious N. shot the lights out from three sinking 16 long-distance shots on high 51.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American-Portuguese Jeremiah Wilson (205-1988, college: Tarleton St.) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 16 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists and American guard Christian James (194-1996, college: Oklahoma) supported him with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Four Bambitious N. players scored in double figures. Even 28 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists by Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) did not help to save the game for Kagawa FA. Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-1996) added 15 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Bambitious N. maintains seventh position with 5-17 record. Loser Kagawa FA dropped to the sixth place with 14 games lost. Bambitious N. will again meet at home higher ranked Kagawa FA (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Kagawa FA will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kagawa FA: A.Brandt 28+6reb+5ast, R.Vague 15+8reb+7ast, T.Kodama 13+2reb+3ast, R.Adams 9+12reb+1ast, A.Alexander 8+2reb+1ast, I.Ryo 7+2reb
Bambitious N.: I.Shinpei 20+1reb, C.James 16+6reb+7ast, J.Wilson 16+13reb+4ast, N.Uto 14+4reb+3ast, T.Komoda 12+1reb, C.Mbodj 7+3reb+3ast

Kumamoto V. - Koshigaya A. 89-103

Rather predictable result when first ranked Koshigaya A. (18-5) won against on the road 3rd ranked Kumamoto V. (13-10) 103-89 on Saturday. Koshigaya A. made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Koshigaya A. outrebounded Kumamoto V. 37-21 including 26 on the defensive glass. It was a great shooting night for Koshigaya A. especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 55.0 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The winners were led by American forward Justin Harper (208-1989, college: Richmond) who scored that evening 22 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import center Isaac Butts (208-1989, college: App State) supported him with 10 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Koshigaya A. players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 26 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists by American guard Terrance Woodbury (201-1987, college: Georgia) did not help to save the game for Kumamoto V.. The former international point guard Ryo Tawatari (180-1993, college: Dominican, CA) added 17 points for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Koshigaya A. maintains first position with 18-5 record. Kumamoto V. lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with ten games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: T.Woodbury 26+6reb+10ast, R.Tawatari 17+2reb+2ast, Y.Shota 11+2reb+3ast, I.Hiroaki 9+1reb+2ast, K.Kotzur 8+5reb+6ast, C.Sow 6+3reb
Koshigaya A.: J.Harper 22+6reb+3ast, B.Chapman 20+5reb, T.Hasegawa 15+2ast, M.Shun 12+2reb+2ast, K.Hayate 11+4reb+4ast, I.Butts 10+14reb+4ast

Aomori W. - Fukushima 72-84

There was a minor upset when 4th ranked Aomori W. (10-12) lost at home to sixth ranked Fukushima (9-13) 84-72 on Saturday. Fukushima looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The winners were led by American forward Josh Harrellson (208-1989, college: Kentucky) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and Finnish-American power forward Erik Murphy (208-1990, college: Florida) supported him with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Even 8 points and 11 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 power forward EJ Montgomery (208-1999, college: Kentucky) added 16 points for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Fukushima moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Fukuoka R. and Nishinomiya S. Loser Aomori W. dropped to the third position with 12 games lost. They share it with Yamagata. Fukushima will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Aomori W. will play again against Fukushima and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Aomori W.: E.Montgomery 16+2reb+2ast, I.Yuichi 12+4reb+3ast, H.Mone 9+2reb+1ast, M.Hisatake 8+11reb+3ast, A.Uchida 8+1reb+2ast, A.Davis 8+9reb+2ast
Fukushima: J.Harrellson 20+11reb+4ast, S.Murakami 13+3reb+2ast, E.Murphy 12+6reb+1ast, T.Hasegawa 9+2reb+2ast, G.Echenique 8+2reb+5ast, G.Cheon 7+1reb+2ast

Yamagata - Ehime OV 71-88

B2 League round 20 most important game was a victory of Ehime OV over one of their biggest challengers Yamagata 88-71 on Saturday night. Ehime OV dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Yamagata's 40. American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) orchestrated the victory by scoring 29 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. American power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-1990, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) contributed with 16 points and 4 assists for the winners. Four Ehime OV players scored in double figures. American center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 14 rebounds and American-Panamanian center Javier Carter (203-1991, college: USA, agency: Slash Sports) added 13 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Yamagata. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ehime OV maintains fourth position with 11-11 record. Yamagata at the other side keeps the third place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Aomori W.. Ehime OV will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Yamagata will play again at home against Ehime OV and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yamagata: J.Carter 13+8reb+3ast, J.Bell 12+5reb+3ast, T.Welsh 12+14reb+1ast, S.Murakami 8+1reb+3ast, J.Maniwa 8+1ast, R.Yanagawa 5+1reb+1ast
Ehime OV: E.Phelps 29+9reb+4ast, A.Fitzgerald 16+2reb+4ast, A.Sakata 11+2reb+1ast, R.Kriener 10+9reb, T.Furuno 6+1reb+4ast, Y.Toshino 6+6reb+2ast

Tokyo Z - Fukuoka R. 65-83

The game between closely ranked teams ended with sixth ranked Fukuoka R.'s (9-13) road victory over 7th ranked Tokyo Z (4-18) 83-65 on Saturday. Fukuoka R. made 24-of-31 free shots (77.4 percent) during the game, while Tokyo Z only scored four points from the stripe. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by forward Jordan Glynn (200-1989, college: SF Austin) who scored that evening 32 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) and point guard Marvelle Harris (196-1993, college: Fresno St., agency: Slash Sports) supported him with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Even 16 points and 9 rebounds by power forward Reginald Buckner (206-1991, college: Ole Miss) did not help to save the game for Tokyo Z. Guard Addison Spruill (195-1993, college: UNCW) added 14 points and 5 assists for the hosts. Tokyo Z's coach rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Fukuoka R. moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Nishinomiya S. and Fukushima. Loser Tokyo Z keeps the seventh position with 18 games lost. Fukuoka R. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tokyo Z will play again against Fukuoka R. (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Z: R.Buckner 16+9reb+2ast, A.Spruill 14+4reb+5ast, J.Crawford 14+6reb, J.Kano 9+4reb+2ast, K.Kimura 8+3ast, M.Joho 2+3reb+1ast
Fukuoka R.: J.Glynn 32+8reb+4ast, M.Harris 24+12reb+2ast, T.Shirato 11+2reb+1ast, Y.Otsuka 5+1reb+3ast, Y.Nagayoshi 4+7reb, J.Honda 3+1ast



Tags : EUGENE PHELPS, EHIME ORANGE VIKINGS, JAPANESE BASKETBALL