B2 League Round 39: Chiba edge Nishinomiya S. by one point

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Fifth-ranked Nishinomiya S. (18-23) made lots of trouble for first ranked Chiba (32-9) in Hyogo on Sunday. The visitors from Chiba managed to secure only one-point victory 94-93. However their fans expected much easier game. Chiba made 23-of-30 free shots (76.7 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. 27 personal fouls committed by Nishinomiya S. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was power forward Evan Ravenel (204-1989, college: Ohio St.) who scored 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Brandon Ashley (206-1994, college: Arizona) chipped in 21 points. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Jordan Hamilton (201-1990, college: Texas) who recorded 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Chiba have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. Newly promoted Chiba maintains first place with 32-9 record. Nishinomiya S. at the other side keeps the fifth position with 23 games lost. Chiba are looking forward to face league's second-placed Koshigaya A. in Tokyo in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Nishinomiya S. will play on the road against Aomori W. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Seventh-ranked Tokyo Z (10-31) made lots of trouble for fourth ranked Aomori W. (19-22). The visitors from Aomori managed to secure only three-point victory 82-79. However their fans expected easier game. The game was also dominated by American players. It was a good game for forward Alex Davis (206-1992, college: Fresno St., agency: Diamond Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds. EJ Montgomery contributed with 13 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Ishmael Lane (203-1997, college: NSU) answered with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Tokyo Z. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Aomori W. moved-up to third place, which they share with Ehime OV and Fukushima. Tokyo Z at the other side keeps the seventh position with 31 games lost. Aomori W. will play against Nishinomiya S. (#5) in Hyogo in the next round. Tokyo Z will play at home against Fukushima and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Fukushima. Fourth ranked Fukushima faced their close opponent Ehime OV. Host Fukushima (19-22) defeated guests from Matsuyama (19-22) 70-65. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Ehime OV. It was a great evening for Gregory Echenique who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds. Fukushima's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was Eugene Phelps with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds. Fukushima moved-up to third place, which they share with Ehime OV and Aomori W. Fukushima will meet Tokyo Z (#7) on the road in the next round. Ehime OV will play against Yamagata (#6) and hope to secure a win.

Other games of round 39 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Kagawa FA defeated Yamagata in Takamatsu 80-75. Bambitious N. was beaten by Saga B. at home 74-79. Koshigaya A. won against Fukuoka R. on the opponent's court 74-69. Nagasaki managed to outperform Kumamoto V. in a home game 76-68. Aomori W. managed to beat Tokyo Z on the road 85-71.

Yamagata - Kagawa FA 75-80

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 6th ranked Yamagata (16-25) was defeated at home by seventh ranked Kagawa FA (12-29) 80-75 on Sunday. Kagawa FA looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a great evening for American Kyle Richardson (200-1991, college: Portland St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 34 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds. Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-1996) helped adding 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was American James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import forward Kevin Kotzur (203-1989, college: St.Mary's, TX, agency: Green Sports Management) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds. Four Yamagata players scored in double figures. Kagawa FA moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Bambitious N. Loser Yamagata keeps the sixth position with 25 games lost. Kagawa FA will meet at home league's leader Saga B. in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Yamagata will play against Ehime OV (#4) in Matsuyama and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yamagata: J.Bell 23+7reb+5ast, S.Murakami 13+1reb+3ast, K.Kotzur 13+12reb+3ast, T.Welsh 10+5reb, S.Rui 7+1reb+2ast, D.Suzuki 5
Kagawa FA: K.Richardson 34+6reb+3ast, R.Vague 14+6reb+4ast, R.Adams 11+7reb+1ast, T.Kodama 9+2reb+7ast, A.Alexander 7, I.Ryo 3+1ast

Fukushima - Ehime OV 70-65

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Fukushima. Fourth ranked Fukushima faced their close opponent Ehime OV. Host Fukushima (19-22) defeated guests from Matsuyama (19-22) 70-65. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Ehime OV. Fukushima looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a great evening for Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (206-1990, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds. American forward Josh Harrellson (208-1989, college: Kentucky) helped adding 4 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists. Fukushima's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds and American-German power forward Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa, agency: Pensack Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. Four Ehime OV players scored in double figures. Fukushima moved-up to third place, which they share with Ehime OV and Aomori W. Fukushima will meet Tokyo Z (#7) on the road in the next round. Ehime OV will play against Yamagata (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: R.Kriener 14+10reb+2ast, E.Phelps 14+15reb+1ast, A.Fitzgerald 12+8reb, Y.Toshino 12+4reb+1ast, T.Furuno 8+4reb+9ast, A.Sakata 5+1reb
Fukushima: G.Echenique 22+12reb+2ast, S.Murakami 11+3reb+3ast, W.Smith 9+6reb, G.Cheon 9+4reb+3ast, S.Kanno 6+2reb+1ast, D.Tsuchiya 5

Nishinomiya S. - Chiba 93-94

Fifth-ranked Nishinomiya S. (18-23) made lots of trouble for first ranked Chiba (32-9) in Hyogo on Sunday. The visitors from Chiba managed to secure only one-point victory 94-93. However their fans expected much easier game. Chiba made 23-of-30 free shots (76.7 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. 27 personal fouls committed by Nishinomiya S. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was power forward Evan Ravenel (204-1989, college: Ohio St.) who scored 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Brandon Ashley (206-1994, college: Arizona) chipped in 21 points. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Jordan Hamilton (201-1990, college: Texas) who recorded 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and forward Trey Porter (208-1996, college: Nevada) added 15 points and 9 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) respectively. Four Chiba and five Nishinomiya S. players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Chiba have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. Newly promoted Chiba maintains first place with 32-9 record. Nishinomiya S. at the other side keeps the fifth position with 23 games lost. Chiba are looking forward to face league's second-placed Koshigaya A. in Tokyo in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Nishinomiya S. will play on the road against Aomori W. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nishinomiya S.: J.Hamilton 22+5reb+6ast, T.Porter 15+9reb+2ast, K.Ryuya 14+6reb+4ast, Z.Dimec 13+5reb+2ast, S.Watanabe 10+6ast, N.Dohara 6+2ast
Chiba: L.Lyons 21+3reb, B.Ashley 21+4reb, E.Ravenel 19+9reb+4ast, T.Kida 11+3reb+5ast, D.Kobayashi 7+2reb+5ast, K.Sugimoto 7+5reb+5ast

Bambitious N. - Saga B. 74-79

No shocking result in a game in Nara where first ranked Saga B. (34-7) defeated 6th ranked Bambitious N. (12-29) 79-74 on Sunday. Saga B. made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. It was a great evening for American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists. His fellow American import forward Terrance King (198-1990, college: ESU, agency: Interperformances) helped adding 17 points and 5 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Senegalese center Cheikh Mbodj (208-1987, college: Cincinnati) with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds and American-Portuguese Jeremiah Wilson (205-1988, college: Tarleton St.) scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Four Bambitious N. players scored in double figures. Bambitious N.'s coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the eighth consecutive win for Saga B.. They maintain first place with 34-7 record. Bambitious N. lost their third game in a row. They keep the sixth position with 29 games lost. They share it with Kagawa FA. Saga B. will meet Kagawa FA (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Bambitious N. will play against the league's second-placed Nagasaki and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Bambitious N.: C.Mbodj 16+11reb, J.Wilson 14+8reb+2ast, I.Shinpei 14, N.Uto 11+1reb+1ast, C.James 9+9reb+4ast, F.Naoyuki 7+2reb+4ast
Saga B.: C.Fieler 21+12reb+9ast, T.King 17+5reb, S.Taiki 14+3reb+1ast, T.Nishikawa 8+1reb+3ast, I.Ryota 7+2reb+1ast, K.Atsuki 5+2reb+1ast

Fukuoka R. - Koshigaya A. 69-74

Rather expected game when 5th ranked Fukuoka R. (15-26) was defeated at home by second ranked Koshigaya A. (30-11) 74-69 on Sunday. Koshigaya A. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for American center Isaac Butts (208-1989, college: App State) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). Guard Tomoya Hasegawa (185-1989) helped adding 17 points and 4 assists. Four Koshigaya A. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Jordan Glynn (200-1989, college: SF Austin) with 15 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import point guard Marvelle Harris (196-1993, college: Fresno St., agency: Slash Sports) scored 8 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Koshigaya A. maintains second place with 30-11 record having four points less than leader Chiba. Loser Fukuoka R. keeps the fifth position with 26 games lost. Koshigaya A. will meet at home league's leader Chiba in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Fukuoka R. will play against Kumamoto V. (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: J.Glynn 15+5reb+2ast, T.Shirato 13, Y.Otsuka 9+1reb+4ast, S.Zimmerman 9+8reb, M.Harris 8+6reb+3ast, J.Honda 5+3reb+2ast
Koshigaya A.: T.Hasegawa 17+1reb+4ast, M.Shun 16+1reb+4ast, I.Butts 15+11reb+2ast, J.Harper 13+3reb+2ast, K.Hayate 6+4reb+2ast, S.Kikuchi 5+5reb+3ast

Nagasaki - Kumamoto V. 76-68

The game between closely ranked teams ended with second ranked Nagasaki's (28-13) home victory over 3rd placed Kumamoto V. (23-18) 76-68 on Sunday. It was a great evening for American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward Jeffrey Gibbs (188-1980, college: Otterbein) helped adding 15 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). The best for the losing side was American center Jamel McLean (202-1988, college: Xavier) with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Hiroaki Isono (186-1998) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Nagasaki. Newly promoted Nagasaki maintains second place with 28-13 record having six points less than leader Chiba. Kumamoto V. lost their third game in a row. They keep the third position with 18 games lost. Nagasaki will meet at home Bambitious N. (#6) in the next round. Kumamoto V. will play against Fukuoka R. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: J.McLean 24+15reb+4ast, I.Hiroaki 12+5reb+3ast, H.Taniguchi 11+2reb+2ast, C.Sow 5+6reb+1ast, R.Tawatari 4+2ast, K.Nagomu 3+1reb+3ast
Nagasaki: J.Gibbs 15+10reb+5ast, M.Bonds 14+14reb+4ast, M.Karimata 13+3reb+3ast, T.Kanji 9+1reb+1ast, P.Aguilar 7+11reb, E.Yamamoto 6+2ast

Tokyo Z - Aomori W. 79-82

Seventh-ranked Tokyo Z (10-31) made lots of trouble for fourth ranked Aomori W. (19-22). The visitors from Aomori managed to secure only three-point victory 82-79. However their fans expected easier game. Aomori W. made 24-of-29 charity shots (82.8 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Tokyo Z was plagued by 28 personal fouls down the stretch. The game was also dominated by American players. It was a good game for forward Alex Davis (206-1992, college: Fresno St., agency: Diamond Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds. Power forward EJ Montgomery (208-1999, college: Kentucky) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Ishmael Lane (203-1997, college: NSU) answered with 22 points and 8 rebounds and power forward Reginald Buckner (206-1991, college: Ole Miss) added 17 points and 14 rebounds in the effort for Tokyo Z. Four Aomori W. and five Tokyo Z players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Aomori W. moved-up to third place, which they share with Ehime OV and Fukushima. Tokyo Z at the other side keeps the seventh position with 31 games lost. Aomori W. will play against Nishinomiya S. (#5) in Hyogo in the next round. Tokyo Z will play at home against Fukushima and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Z: I.Lane 22+8reb+3ast, R.Buckner 17+14reb+1ast, M.Joho 14+4reb+3ast, K.Kimura 11+4ast, J.Kano 10+3reb+5ast, K.Tsubasa 3+1reb+4ast
Aomori W.: A.Davis 26+14reb+3ast, E.Montgomery 13+10reb+2ast, I.Yuichi 11+2reb+11ast, H.Mone 11+2reb, D.Shimoyama 5+2reb+1ast, K.Tsuneta 4+2ast

Tokyo Z - Aomori W. 71-85

Not a big story in a game when 7th ranked Tokyo Z (10-31) was defeated at home by fourth ranked Aomori W. (19-22) 85-71 on Tuesday. Aomori W. looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American players dominated the game. It was a great evening for power forward EJ Montgomery (208-1999, college: Kentucky) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!) and 13 rebounds. Forward Alex Davis (206-1992, college: Fresno St., agency: Diamond Sports) helped adding 13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. The best for the losing side was power forward Ishmael Lane (203-1997, college: NSU) with 21 points and 9 rebounds and guard Addison Spruill (195-1993, college: UNCW) scored 17 points and 5 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Aomori W. moved-up to third place, which they share with Ehime OV and Fukushima. Loser Tokyo Z keeps the seventh position with 31 games lost. Aomori W. will meet at home Nishinomiya S. (#5) in the next round. Tokyo Z will play against Fukushima and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Z: I.Lane 21+9reb+1ast, A.Spruill 17+5reb, R.Buckner 9+6reb+1ast, J.Kano 9+4reb+1ast, Y.Ide 7+5reb+1ast, K.Kimura 3+1reb+4ast
Aomori W.: E.Montgomery 34+13reb+3ast, K.Aita 14+1reb+3ast, A.Davis 13+7reb+4ast, K.Tsuneta 7+1reb+5ast, I.Yuichi 7+4reb+6ast, M.Fukuda 3+1reb



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