B2 League Round 55: Kumamoto V. defeat Saga B.

Jamel McLean

The Regular Season in B2 League is almost over. Almost everything is clear. There are only 3 rounds left. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Saga B. (42-15) on the court of third ranked Kumamoto V. on Saturday night. Visitors were edged by Kumamoto V. 79-78. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Jamel McLean (202-1988, college: Xavier) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 5 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Cherif Sow (201-1992) contributed with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) answered with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for Saga B.Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Kumamoto V. have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain third place with 34-23 record having eight points less than leader Chiba. Saga B. at the other side still keeps top position with 15 games lost. Kumamoto V. are again looking forward to face league's leader Saga B. at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Saga B. will have a break next round.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Nagasaki (40-17) against fifth ranked Aomori W. (26-31) on Saturday night. Visiting Nagasaki was defeated by Aomori W. in a tough game in Aomori 82-88. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Nagasaki. 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 19 points and 11 rebounds. Alex Davis helped adding 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. At the losing side forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Aomori W. maintains fifth place with 26-31 record. Newly promoted Nagasaki keeps the second position with 17 games lost. Aomori W. will again play against league's second-placed Nagasaki at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Nagasaki will have a break next round.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Koshigaya A. (43-14) against sixth ranked Yamagata (25-32) on Saturday night. Host Koshigaya A. was defeated by Yamagata in a tough game in Tokyo 80-85. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Koshigaya A.. It was an exceptional evening for James Bell who led the winners and scored 26 points and 8 rebounds. Justin Harper came up with 25 points and 5 rebounds for Koshigaya A. in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Yamagata have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Ehime OV. Loser Koshigaya A. keeps the second position with 14 games lost. Yamagata will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Koshigaya A. will play again against Yamagata and hope to secure a win.

Other games in round 55 were not that significant. Chiba beat Fukushima on the road 80-74. Tokyo Z won against Nishinomiya S. on its own court 85-77. Kagawa FA was outscored by Bambitious N. in Nara 96-71. Ehime OV recorded a loss to Fukuoka R. at home 64-71.
The most impressive performance of 55th round was 16 points and 17 rebounds by Kevin Kotzur of Fukuoka R..