B2 League Round 49: Aomori W. defeats leader Chiba

The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute surprises and upsets. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Chiba (39-12) on the court of fifth ranked Aomori W. on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by Aomori W. 95-85. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Chiba. They outrebounded Chiba 42-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. Aomori W. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Aomori W. made 7 blocks. 25 personal fouls committed by Chiba helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Alex Davis (206-1992, college: Fresno St., agency: Diamond Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks. Power forward EJ Montgomery (208-1999, college: Kentucky) contributed with 19 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Forward Leo Lyons (206-1987, college: Missouri) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists for Chiba. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Aomori W. maintains fifth place with 24-27 record. Newly promoted Chiba still keeps top position with 12 games lost. They share it with Saga B.. Aomori W. are again looking forward to face league's leader Chiba at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Chiba will have a break next round.
Important game to mention about took place in Nara. Sixth ranked Bambitious N. (15-36) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 5th ranked Fukuoka R. (16-35) 65-63 on Saturday evening. American guard Christian James (194-1996, college: Oklahoma) stepped up and scored 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his seven free throws) for the winners and Jeremiah Wilson chipped in 17 points and 12 rebounds. At the losing side American forward Jordan Glynn (200-1989, college: SF Austin) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Bambitious N. maintains sixth place with 15-36 record. Fukuoka R. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with 35 games lost. Bambitious N. will again play against higher ranked Fukuoka R. (#5) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Fukuoka R. will have a break next round.
An interesting game for Kumamoto V. (31-21) which played road game in Matsuyama against 4th placed Ehime OV (23-29). Third ranked Kumamoto V. managed to get a 5-point victory 80-75. Jamel McLean nailed 17 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Kumamoto V.'s coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Eugene Phelps came up with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 16 rebounds for Ehime OV in the defeat. Kumamoto V. have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain third place with 31-21 record having seven points less than leader Chiba. Ehime OV at the other side keeps the fourth position with 29 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Other games in round 49 were not that significant. Tokyo Z was beaten by Fukushima on the road 87-73. Koshigaya A. won against Nishinomiya S. on its own court 87-81. Kumamoto V. managed to outperform Ehime OV in a road game 83-73. Saga B. managed to beat Yamagata at home 80-72. Kagawa FA was crushed by Nagasaki on the opponent's court 81-51.
The most impressive performance of 49th round was 18 points and 8 rebounds by Matt Bonds of Nagasaki.

Ehime OV - Kumamoto V. 75-80

An interesting game for Kumamoto V. (31-21) which played road game in Matsuyama against 4th placed Ehime OV (23-29). Third ranked Kumamoto V. managed to get a 5-point victory 80-75. Kumamoto V. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American center Jamel McLean (202-1988, college: Xavier) nailed 17 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side and British forward Benjamin Lawson (216-1995, college: WKU) accounted for 14 points and 6 rebounds. Kumamoto V.'s coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) came up with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 16 rebounds and American power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-1990, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) added 21 points and 9 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) respectively for Ehime OV in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kumamoto V. have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain third place with 31-21 record having seven points less than leader Chiba. Ehime OV at the other side keeps the fourth position with 29 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: J.McLean 17+8reb+2ast, H.Taniguchi 15+1reb, Y.Shota 15+2reb, B.Lawson 14+6reb+2ast, C.Sow 6+2reb+2ast, I.Hiroaki 5+4reb+5ast
Ehime OV: A.Fitzgerald 21+9reb+2ast, Y.Toshino 19+1reb+2ast, E.Phelps 18+16reb+2ast, R.Kriener 10+6reb+1ast, H.Tobita 4, A.Sakata 3+1reb+2ast

Aomori W. - Chiba 95-85

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Chiba (39-12) on the court of fifth ranked Aomori W. on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by Aomori W. 95-85. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Chiba. They outrebounded Chiba 42-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. Aomori W. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Aomori W. made 7 blocks. 25 personal fouls committed by Chiba helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Alex Davis (206-1992, college: Fresno St., agency: Diamond Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks. Power forward EJ Montgomery (208-1999, college: Kentucky) contributed with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Forward Leo Lyons (206-1987, college: Missouri) answered with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists and power forward Evan Ravenel (204-1989, college: Ohio St.) added 9 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Chiba. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Aomori W. maintains fifth place with 24-27 record. Newly promoted Chiba still keeps top position with 12 games lost. They share it with Saga B.. Aomori W. are again looking forward to face league's leader Chiba at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Chiba will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Aomori W.: A.Davis 28+14reb+1ast, E.Montgomery 19+13reb+3ast, K.Aita 12+2reb+4ast, K.Tsuneta 8+1reb+5ast, I.Yuichi 8+1reb+7ast, H.Mone 7+5reb+1ast
Chiba: L.Lyons 19+12reb+8ast, Y.Otsuka 11+1reb+2ast, B.Ashley 10+2reb+2ast, Y.Osaki 9+1reb, E.Ravenel 9+7reb+5ast, Y.Okada 9+1ast

Fukushima - Tokyo Z 87-73

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Fukushima (25-26) beat at home 7th ranked Tokyo Z (13-38) 87-73 on Saturday. Fukushima looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (206-1990, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) nailed a double-double by scoring 27 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side and American forward Josh Harrellson (208-1989, college: Kentucky) accounted for 19 points and 7 rebounds. American center David Simon (208-1982, college: PFW) came up with 23 points and 9 rebounds and the other American import power forward Ishmael Lane (203-1997, college: NSU) added 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Tokyo Z in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Fukushima moved-up to third place, which they share with Nishinomiya S. Tokyo Z lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the seventh position with 38 games lost. Fukushima will again meet at home Tokyo Z (#7) in the next round. Tokyo Z will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Fukushima: G.Echenique 27+10reb+1ast, J.Harrellson 19+7reb+1ast, G.Cheon 13+1reb+1ast, S.Kanno 6+2reb, Y.Takahashi 5+4reb, Y.Tsubasa 3
Tokyo Z: D.Simon 23+9reb+2ast, I.Lane 17+10reb+4ast, Y.Ide 15+3reb+9ast, K.Tsubasa 7+4ast, J.Kano 5+1reb, R.Buckner 3+8reb+1ast

Koshigaya A. - Nishinomiya S. 87-81

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 3rd placed Nishinomiya S.'s (25-26) road loss to second ranked Koshigaya A. (38-13) in Tokyo 81-87 on Saturday. Koshigaya A. outrebounded Nishinomiya S. 39-26 including a 16-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American power forward Brekkott Chapman (206-1996, college: Weber St.) nailed 16 points and 5 assists for the winning side and point guard Shun Matsuyama (175-1996) accounted for 17 points and 7 assists. Four Koshigaya A. players scored in double figures. American forward Jordan Hamilton (201-1990, college: Texas) came up with 29 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import forward Trey Porter (208-1996, college: Nevada) added 7 points and 10 rebounds respectively for Nishinomiya S. in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Koshigaya A. maintains second place with 38-13 record behind leader Chiba. Loser Nishinomiya S. keeps the third position with 26 games lost. They share it with Fukushima. Koshigaya A. will again meet at home Nishinomiya S. (#4) in the next round. Nishinomiya S. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: M.Shun 17+1reb+7ast, B.Chapman 16+4reb+5ast, J.Harper 12+4reb+1ast, I.Butts 11+10reb+1ast, K.Hayate 8+4reb+3ast, S.Kikuchi 8+6reb+2ast
Nishinomiya S.: J.Hamilton 29+5reb+5ast, Z.Dimec 12+4reb+1ast, N.Tani 9+3ast, T.Porter 7+10reb, K.Sena 6+1reb, T.Yusuke 6+5reb+5ast

Bambitious N. - Fukuoka R. 65-63

Important game to mention about took place in Nara. Sixth ranked Bambitious N. (15-36) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 5th ranked Fukuoka R. (16-35) 65-63 on Saturday evening. American guard Christian James (194-1996, college: Oklahoma) stepped up and scored 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his seven free throws) for the winners and American-Portuguese Jeremiah Wilson (205-1988, college: Tarleton St.) chipped in 17 points and 12 rebounds. At the losing side American forward Jordan Glynn (200-1989, college: SF Austin) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds and the other American import forward Kevin Kotzur (203-1989, college: St.Mary's, TX, agency: Green Sports Management) scored 6 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Bambitious N. maintains sixth place with 15-36 record. Fukuoka R. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with 35 games lost. Bambitious N. will again play against higher ranked Fukuoka R. (#5) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Fukuoka R. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Bambitious N.: C.James 17+9reb+4ast, J.Wilson 17+12reb+1ast, C.Mbodj 11+8reb+1ast, N.Uto 6+4reb+5ast, S.Fujitaka 4+2reb, I.Shinpei 4+1reb+1ast
Fukuoka R.: J.Glynn 15+15reb+2ast, Y.Otsuka 13+2reb+2ast, T.Shirato 10+1reb+3ast, K.Kotzur 6+9reb+4ast, S.Shigetomi 5+1reb+2ast, I.Tomohiro 5

Ehime OV - Kumamoto V. 73-83

The game between closely ranked teams ended with third ranked Kumamoto V.'s (31-21) road victory over 4th placed Ehime OV (23-29) in Matsuyama 83-73 on Saturday. Kumamoto V. dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Ehime OV's 34. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American center Jamel McLean (202-1988, college: Xavier) nailed 15 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists (made all of his seven free throws) for the winning side and his fellow American import forward Cherif Sow (201-1992) accounted for 16 points and 5 rebounds. Four Kumamoto V. players scored in double figures. Kumamoto V.'s coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) came up with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 16 rebounds and American power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-1990, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) added 20 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Ehime OV in the defeat. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Kumamoto V.. They maintain third place with 31-21 record having seven points less than leader Chiba. Loser Ehime OV keeps the fourth position with 29 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: C.Sow 16+5reb+2ast, J.McLean 15+9reb+7ast, B.Lawson 13+9reb, I.Hiroaki 11+3reb+5ast, R.Motomura 9+2reb+2ast, Y.Shota 8+3reb+3ast
Ehime OV: E.Phelps 22+16reb+2ast, A.Fitzgerald 20+5reb+1ast, R.Kriener 9+2reb, Y.Toshino 7+2reb+6ast, T.Furuno 7+1reb+7ast, H.Tobita 5+1ast

Saga B. - Yamagata 80-72

Not a big story in a game when 6th ranked Yamagata (21-30) lost on the road to first ranked Saga B. (39-12) 80-72 on Saturday. Saga B. outrebounded Yamagata 36-25 including 23 on the defensive glass. The former international forward Takanobu Nishikawa (195-1992) nailed 23 points and 6 assists for the winning side and American forward Terrance King (198-1990, college: ESU, agency: Interperformances) accounted for 16 points and 10 rebounds. American center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) came up with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) and the other American import James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) added 18 points and 5 assists respectively for Yamagata in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Saga B. maintains first place with 39-12 record. Loser Yamagata keeps the sixth position with 30 games lost. Saga B. will again meet at home Yamagata (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Yamagata will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: T.Nishikawa 23+2reb+6ast, S.Taiki 18+4reb+2ast, T.King 16+10reb+2ast, R.Garcia 8+2reb, C.Fieler 8+8reb+5ast, K.Atsuki 3+1reb
Yamagata: J.Bell 18+1reb+5ast, T.Welsh 14+11reb+3ast, J.Carter 11+6reb, S.Murakami 9+1reb+2ast, D.Suzuki 8+2reb, J.Maniwa 5+2reb

Nagasaki - Kagawa FA 81-51

Everything went according to plan when second ranked Nagasaki (35-16) outplayed at home 7th ranked Kagawa FA (14-37) 81-51 on Saturday. They outrebounded Kagawa FA 43-28 including a 33-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Nagasaki looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) nailed 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import forward Jeffrey Gibbs (188-1980, college: Otterbein) accounted for 14 points and 8 rebounds. American Kyle Richardson (200-1991, college: Portland St.) came up with 14 points and 6 rebounds and Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-1996) added 9 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Kagawa FA in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Newly promoted Nagasaki maintains second place with 35-16 record having four points less than leader Chiba. Loser Kagawa FA keeps the seventh position with 37 games lost. Nagasaki will again meet at home Kagawa FA (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Kagawa FA will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: M.Bonds 18+8reb+2ast, J.Gibbs 14+8reb+3ast, K.Matsumoto 9+4reb+3ast, M.Karimata 9+1reb+1ast, J.Heading 8+1reb+1ast, P.Aguilar 7+9reb+4ast
Kagawa FA: K.Richardson 14+6reb+1ast, R.Vague 9+6reb+5ast, N.Spikes 8+3reb, T.Kodama 8+1reb+2ast, I.Takaya 6+1reb, A.Alexander 2+7reb+2ast



Tags : ALEX DAVIS, AOMORI WATTS, JAPANESE BASKETBALL