B2 League Round 56: Chiba defeat Fukushima in the closest game of the week

Brandon Ashley

There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in B2 League. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Third-ranked Fukushima (27-31) gave a tough game to first ranked Chiba (46-12) on Sunday. The visitors from Chiba managed to secure only two-point victory 79-77. However their fans expected easier game. Chiba made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American Brandon Ashley (206-1994, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import forward Leo Lyons (206-1987, college: Missouri) who added 16 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (206-1990, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 26 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Chiba have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Newly promoted Chiba maintains first position with 46-12 record. Fukushima lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth place with 31 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. Fukushima will have a break next round.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Kumamoto. 3rd ranked host Kumamoto V. (34-24) was smashed by first ranked Saga B. (43-15) 90-63. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Kumamoto V.. The winners were led by American forward Terrance King (198-1990, college: ESU, agency: Interperformances) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds (on 11-of-12 shooting from the field) and Takanobu Nishikawa supported him with 24 points. Even 12 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) by American center Jamel McLean (202-1988, college: Xavier) did not help to save the game for Kumamoto V.. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Saga B. maintains first position with 43-15 record. Kumamoto V. at the other side keeps the third place with 24 games lost. Saga B. will play against Tokyo Z (#7) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Kumamoto V. will play against Kagawa FA (#7) in Takamatsu and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game in Aomori supposed to be also quite interesting. Second ranked Nagasaki (41-17) played at the court of 5th ranked Aomori W. (26-32). Nagasaki smashed Aomori W. 99-78 on Sunday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Aomori W.. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was Matt Bonds who scored 27 points and 7 rebounds. Max Hisatake produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 17 rebounds for the hosts. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Newly promoted Nagasaki maintains second position with 41-17 record having just two points less than leader Chiba. Loser Aomori W. keeps the fifth place with 32 games lost. Nagasaki will meet at home Ehime OV (#4) in the next round. Aomori W. will play against Yamagata and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 56: Nishinomiya S. destroyed Tokyo Z on the opponent's court 104-55. Bambitious N. outscored Kagawa FA in a home game 102-70. Yamagata recorded a loss to Koshigaya A. on the road 61-55.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 13 points and 12 rebounds by Isaac Butts of Koshigaya A..