B2 League Round 44 (Regular Season): Kumamoto V. is upset by Ehime

The Regular Season in B2 League is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 5 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most important game in the last round took place in Kumamoto between third ranked Volters (32-23) and seventh ranked Orange Vikings (21-34) on Saturday night. Volters were defeated by Orange Vikings in a tough game at home 80-89. 25 personal fouls committed by Kumamoto V. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) who had a double-double by scoring 31 points and 17 rebounds (on 14-of-16 shooting from the field). American forward Novar Gadson (201-1989, college: Rider) chipped in 26 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Orange Vikings' coach used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Aaron White (206-1992, college: Iowa) produced a double-double by scoring 29 points and 18 rebounds for the hosts. Ehime moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Fukushima. Kumamoto V. lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the third position with 23 games lost. Ehime will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kumamoto V. will play at home against Ehime and is hoping to win this game.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Watts (28-27) against fifth ranked Shizuoka (25-30) on Saturday night. Visiting Watts were defeated by Shizuoka in Shizuoka 108-93. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Watts. American forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn St.) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 32 points, 21 rebounds and 7 assists. Kenny Lawson contributed with 18 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American forward Jordan Hamilton (201-1990, college: Texas) replied with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for Aomori W.Watts' coach rotated ten players and allowed the starting five to rest. Newly promoted Shizuoka maintains fifth position with 25-30 record. Aomori W. at the other side keeps the third place with 27 games lost. They share the position with Yamagata. Shizuoka will play against higher ranked Aomori W. (#4) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Aomori W. will have a break next round.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Fukuoka. First ranked Lakestars faced second-ranked Rizing. Guests from Shiga (41-15) smashed host Rizing (35-21) 97-67. Worth to mention a great performance of Brock Motum who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 5 rebounds. Shunto Murakami responded with 14 points and 5 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Lakestars have an impressive five-game winning streak. Shiga L-Stars maintains first position with 41-15 record. Fukuoka R. lost third consecutive game. They keep the second place with 21 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Rest of the games of round 44 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Shiga L-Stars defeated Fukuoka R. in a road game 90-78. Fukushima was beaten by Koshigaya A. at home 94-101. Chiba won against Iwate on the opponent's court 89-71. Bambitious were outscored by Nishinomiya S. in a home game 75-94. Niigata A. recorded a loss to Yamagata on the road 89-78.
The best stats of 44th round was 21 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists by Stacy Davis of Niigata A..



Fukuoka R. - Shiga L-Stars 67-97

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Fukuoka. First ranked Lakestars faced second-ranked Rizing. Guests from Shiga (41-15) smashed host Rizing (35-21) 97-67. Shiga L-Stars dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Rizing's 28. Shiga L-Stars looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Australian forward Brock Motum (208-1990, college: WSU, agency: Slash Sports) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 5 rebounds and American-German power forward Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa, agency: Pensack Sports) who added 14 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Point guard Shunto Murakami (185-1996) responded with 14 points and 5 assists and American power forward Gavin Ware (206-1993, college: MSU) scored 13 points and 5 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Lakestars have an impressive five-game winning streak. Shiga L-Stars maintains first position with 41-15 record. Fukuoka R. lost third consecutive game. They keep the second place with 21 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Shiga L-Stars: B.Motum 22+5reb+2ast, R.Kriener 14+5reb+3ast, J.Burrell 12+6reb+2ast, T.Tahara 9+5reb+1ast, K.Ravena 9+3reb+5ast, M.Naoto 7
Fukuoka R.: S.Murakami 14+2reb+5ast, G.Ware 13+5reb+1ast, T.Kato 9+1ast, B.Washington 7+3reb+1ast, H.Taniguchi 6+1ast, P.Aguilar 5+12reb+1ast

Fukuoka R. - Shiga L-Stars 78-90

The game between closely ranked teams ended with second-ranked Rizing's (35-21) home loss to first ranked Lakestars (41-15) 78-90 on Saturday. Shiga L-Stars made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. Shiga L-Stars outrebounded Fukuoka R. 40-27 including a 30-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shiga L-Stars looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists and American-German power forward Ryan Kriener (208-1998, college: Iowa, agency: Pensack Sports) who added 23 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Lakestars' coach let to play all 12 players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. American forward Bryce Washington (203-1996, college: Louisiana) responded with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and Spanish Pablo Aguilar (204-1989, agency: Octagon Europe) produced a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds. Five Shiga L-Stars and four Fukuoka R. players scored in double figures. Lakestars have an impressive five-game winning streak. Shiga L-Stars maintains first position with 41-15 record. Fukuoka R. lost third consecutive game. They keep the second place with 21 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Shiga L-Stars: R.Kriener 23+8reb+1ast, J.Burrell 15+15reb+5ast, B.Motum 14+5reb+5ast, K.Ravena 13+2reb+4ast, T.Kashiwagura 11+1reb+6ast, W.Hayato 5+3reb+2ast
Fukuoka R.: B.Washington 18+7reb+4ast, S.Murakami 17+3reb+1ast, H.Taniguchi 13+1ast, P.Aguilar 11+11reb+2ast, T.Kodama 9+4reb+3ast, G.Ware 7+2reb+1ast

Fukushima - Koshigaya A. 94-101

No shocking result in a game in Fukushima where second ranked Alphas (33-22) defeated 5th ranked Firebonds (21-34) 101-94 on Saturday. Koshigaya A. made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. Koshigaya A. outrebounded Fukushima 37-25 including a 26-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Koshigaya A. looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Isaac Butts (208-1989, college: App State) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points and 14 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and the other American import swingman LJ Peak (196-1996, college: Georgetown, agency: Pensack Sports) who added 23 points and 7 assists during the contest. Lithuanian forward Rapolas Ivanauskas (208-1998, college: Cincinnati) responded with 37 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 5 assists and Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (208-1990, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 22 points and 7 rebounds. Four Fukushima players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Koshigaya A. maintains second position with 33-22 record having nine points less than leader Chiba. Fukushima lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 34 games lost. They share the position with Ehime. Koshigaya A. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Fukushima will play against the league's second-placed Koshigaya A. (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: L.Peak 23+3reb+7ast, I.Butts 23+14reb+2ast, M.Shun 15+1reb+3ast, H.Kenshin 9+2reb+1ast, K.Makoto 7+3reb+2ast, I.Soichiro 6+2reb+1ast
Fukushima: R.Ivanauskas 37+6reb+5ast, G.Echenique 22+7reb+1ast, K.Taketo 14+6ast, S.Kanno 11+2reb+2ast, T.King 5+2reb, T.Takeshi 3+3reb+2ast

Iwate - Chiba 71-89

Very expected game in Iwate where 6th ranked Big Bulls (17-38) were defeated by first ranked Chiba (51-4) 89-71 on Saturday. Chiba shot 61.5 percent from the field. Chiba outrebounded Iwate 37-23 including a 30-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Chiba looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Yuto Otsuka (188-1987) who helped to win the game recording 30 points and American center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) who added 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists (perfect from the field making all six shots) during the contest. Four Chiba players scored in double figures. American forward Kelvin Martin (196-1989, college: Charleston So.) responded with 16 points and point guard Toshiki Yokogawa (177-1995) scored 13 points and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Chiba have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Newly promoted Chiba maintains first position with 51-4 record. Iwate at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the sixth place with 38 games lost. Chiba will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Iwate will play again against the league's leader Chiba (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Chiba: Y.Otsuka 30+2reb, D.Pardon 16+8reb+5ast, A.Davis 14+6reb+1ast, C.Liu 10+6reb+1ast, M.Reo 9+5reb+3ast, M.Tsuruta 7+4reb
Iwate: K.Martin 16+4reb+2ast, Y.Toshiki 13+2reb+6ast, S.Goto 10+2reb+2ast, S.Kokoro 10, M.Krampelj 7+3reb, U.Hiroki 6+2reb

Kumamoto V. - Ehime OV 80-89

The most important game in the last round took place in Kumamoto between third ranked Volters (32-23) and seventh ranked Orange Vikings (21-34) on Saturday night. Volters were defeated by Orange Vikings in a tough game at home 80-89. 25 personal fouls committed by Kumamoto V. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) who had a double-double by scoring 31 points and 17 rebounds (on 14-of-16 shooting from the field). American forward Novar Gadson (201-1989, college: Rider) chipped in 26 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Orange Vikings' coach used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Aaron White (206-1992, college: Iowa) produced a double-double by scoring 29 points and 18 rebounds and guard Shota Yamamoto (188-1999) added 19 points and 7 assists respectively for the hosts. Ehime moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Fukushima. Kumamoto V. lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the third position with 23 games lost. Ehime will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kumamoto V. will play at home against Ehime and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: E.Phelps 31+17reb+1ast, N.Gadson 26+6reb+5ast, Y.Toshino 10+3reb, N.Spikes 9+9reb+1ast, T.Furuno 6+1reb+6ast, A.Sakata 3
Kumamoto V.: A.White 29+18reb+1ast, Y.Shota 19+1reb+7ast, S.Ichioka 7+9reb+3ast, N.Yuma 6+2reb+1ast, K.Nagomu 5+2reb+8ast, I.Yuma 5

Bambitious N. - Nishinomiya S. 75-94

Rather predictable result in Nara where fourth ranked Storks (27-28) outscored 7th ranked Bambitious (20-35) 94-75 on Saturday. Nishinomiya S. dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Bambitious N.' 34. Nishinomiya S. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Trey Porter (210-1996, college: Nevada) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds and center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech, agency: Slash Sports) who added 16 points and 7 rebounds (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!) during the contest. Four Storks players scored in double figures. Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) responded with 21 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Cameron Jackson (203-1996, college: Wofford) scored 18 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Nishinomiya S. maintains fourth position with 27-28 record. Bambitious lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 35 games lost. Nishinomiya S. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Bambitious will play against Nishinomiya S. (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nishinomiya S.: M.Hisatake 16+7reb, T.Porter 16+12reb+1ast, J.Caroline 15+2reb+5ast, K.Patrick 14+8reb+1ast, N.Dohara 8+1ast, K.Sena 6+2reb
Bambitious N.: S.Hines 21+7reb+1ast, C.Jackson 18+5reb+2ast, C.Mbodj 12+9reb+1ast, M.Komaki 6+1ast, H.Eiji 5+3ast, K.Kohei 5+2reb+3ast

Shizuoka - Aomori W. 108-93

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Watts (28-27) against fifth ranked Shizuoka (25-30) on Saturday night. Visiting Watts were defeated by Shizuoka in Shizuoka 108-93. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Watts. Shizuoka made 19-of-22 charity shots (86.4 percent) during the game. Shizuoka outrebounded Aomori W. 43-22 including a 27-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Shizuoka especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 61.1 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. American forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn St.) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 32 points, 21 rebounds and 7 assists. The other American import center Kenny Lawson (207-1988, college: Creighton) contributed with 18 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American forward Jordan Hamilton (201-1990, college: Texas) replied with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and Czech Patrik Auda (206-1989, college: Seton Hall, agency: Octagon Europe) added 22 points in the effort for Aomori W.Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Watts' coach rotated ten players and allowed the starting five to rest. Newly promoted Shizuoka maintains fifth position with 25-30 record. Aomori W. at the other side keeps the third place with 27 games lost. They share the position with Yamagata. Shizuoka will play against higher ranked Aomori W. (#4) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Aomori W. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Shizuoka: J.Harrar 32+21reb+7ast, K.Lawson 18+5reb+2ast, T.Bropleh 14+1reb+3ast, A.Yamada 13+1reb+7ast, K.Shinkawa 9+4reb, Y.Kentaro 8+5reb
Aomori W.: P.Auda 22+1reb+3ast, J.Hamilton 18+9reb+5ast, E.Montgomery 16+5reb+2ast, H.Mone 15+3reb, I.Yuichi 9+4reb+10ast, K.Aita 7+6ast

Yamagata - Niigata A. 89-78

Not a big story in a game in Yamagata where 7th ranked Niigata A. (7-48) was defeated by fourth ranked Wyverns (28-27) 89-78 on Saturday. Yamagata made 19-of-22 free shots (86.4 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American TJ Holyfield (203-1995, college: Texas Tech) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 5 rebounds and point guard Shinya Murakami (173-1991) who added 13 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists during the contest. Five Wyverns players scored in double figures. American forward Stacy Davis (198-1994, college: Pepperdine) responded with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists and point guard Katsumi Takahashi (180-2000) scored 23 points. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Yamagata moved-up to third place, which they share with Aomori W. Niigata A. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 48 games lost. Yamagata will again meet at home Niigata A. (#7) in the next round. Niigata A. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Yamagata: T.Holyfield 21+5reb+3ast, M.Finke 20+5reb+2ast, S.Murakami 13+8reb+8ast, R.Adams 11+4reb, J.Bell 11+8reb+7ast, O.Kazuma 6+1reb+5ast
Niigata A.: T.Katsumi 23+4reb+2ast, S.Davis 21+10reb+8ast, O.Kotaro 9+3reb+1ast, O.Ayumu 8+1reb+1ast, S.Tanaka 6+1reb+1ast, H.Ryo 6+1reb