B2 League Round 4 (Regular Season): Shizuoka hands first defeat to Kagoshima

Round 4 means everything may happen in B2 League as the season just started. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Undefeated Kagoshima (4-1) recorded its first loss on the court of fourth ranked Shizuoka on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by Shizuoka 81-62. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Kagoshima. They outrebounded Kagoshima 42-22 including a 33-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shizuoka looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. New Zealand-Irish Finn Delany (200-1995, college: SW Baptist) fired 5 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. American forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn State) chipped in 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Dutch center Matt Haarms (221-1997, college: BYU) produced 15 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shizuoka (3-2) moved-up to third place. Newly promoted Kagoshima still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with Kobe S.. Shizuoka are again looking forward to face league's leader Kagoshima in Renova in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kagoshima will have a break next round.
Another exciting game was played in Matsuyama between sixth ranked Bambitious and 5th ranked Orange Vikings where Bambitious (2-4) crushed Orange Vikings (1-5) on the road with 31-point difference 90-59. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) who helped to win the game recording 26 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Cameron Jackson contributed with 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Center Nigel Spikes (208-1989, college: Marshall) replied with 9 points and 12 rebounds for Orange Vikings. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Bambitious moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Ehime lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
An interesting game was played in Matsuyama where Bambitious (#6) beat host Ehime (#5) 79-66 on Saturday evening. The game was also dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of Shaquille Hines who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. At the losing side Jonathan Stark responded with 28 points. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Bambitious (2-4) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Ehime lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Rest of the games of round 4 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Chiba crushed Fukuoka R. in a road game 97-77. Shinshu beat Aomori W. at home 74-66. Chiba won against Fukuoka R. on the opponent's court 80-74. Yamagata outscored Toyama G. in a home game 107-78. Fukushima recorded a loss to Fukui B. on the road 79-76. Winless Kumamoto V. was defeated by Kobe S. on its own court 81-88.
The best stats of 4th round was 23 points and 7 rebounds by Chaundee Brown Jr of Kobe S..



Ehime OV - Bambitious N. 59-90

Another exciting game was played in Matsuyama between sixth ranked Bambitious and 5th ranked Orange Vikings where Bambitious (2-4) crushed Orange Vikings (1-5) on the road with 31-point difference 90-59. Bambitious dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Orange Vikings' 32. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) who helped to win the game recording 26 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Power forward Cameron Jackson (203-1996, college: Wofford) contributed with 12 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Five Bambitious N. players scored in double figures. Center Nigel Spikes (208-1989, college: Marshall) replied with 9 points and 12 rebounds and guard Jonathan Stark (184-1995, college: Murray St., agency: Pensack Sports) added 10 points and 6 assists in the effort for Orange Vikings. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Bambitious moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Ehime lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: R.Aoki 17, K.Lawson 12+4reb+1ast, J.Stark 10+4reb+6ast, N.Spikes 9+12reb, T.Furuno 8+1reb+4ast, S.Chiu 3+4reb
Bambitious N.: S.Hines 26+5reb+6ast, E.Hayashi 15+5reb+2ast, C.Jackson 12+9reb+3ast, S.Zimmerman 12+9reb, Y.Otsuka 12+2reb+3ast, E.Nakatani 5+1reb+2ast

Fukuoka R. - Chiba 77-97

There was no surprise in Fukuoka where 3rd ranked Rizing (2-4) was crushed by top-ranked Chiba (6-0) 97-77 on Friday. Chiba looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Reo Maeda (191-1997) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and American center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) who added 19 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) during the contest. Four Chiba players scored in double figures. At the losing side American center Joshua Smith (210-1992, college: Georgetown) responded with 22 points and 9 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) scored 12 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Chiba have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 6-0 record. Fukuoka R. at the other side dropped to the fourth place with four games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: J.Smith 22+9reb+1ast, J.Burrell 12+6reb+2ast, T.Nakamura 11+4reb+5ast, H.Taniguchi 9+2ast, H.Kantake 9+3reb, P.Aguilar 7+8reb+3ast
Chiba: R.Maeda 25+3reb+3ast, D.Pardon 19+7reb+2ast, K.Sugimoto 15+6ast, T.Kida 12+1reb+2ast, Y.Otsuka 8+4reb+1ast, B.Ashley 5+4reb+3ast

Shinshu BW - Aomori W. 74-66

No shocking result in a game in Nagano where third ranked Brave Warriors (4-2) defeated 5th ranked Watts (2-4) 74-66 on Saturday. The game was also dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and guard Terrance Woodbury (203-1987, college: Georgia) who added 11 points and 11 rebounds during the contest. Woodbury is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Brave Warriors players scored in double figures. At the losing side center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech, agency: Slash Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 19 rebounds and Rashard Kelly (203-1995, college: Wichita St.) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Brave Warriors have a solid four-game winning streak. Shinshu moved-up to second place, which they share with Toyama G. and Fukui B. Aomori W. lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Shinshu will meet at home Aomori W. (#6) in the next round. Aomori W. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Aomori W.: R.Kelly 17+11reb+3ast, M.Hisatake 17+19reb+3ast, M.Hall 9+1reb+1ast, J.Martin 7+6reb, S.Tokairin 6+2reb, N.Kamizato 5
Shinshu BW: P.Buford 18+11reb+5ast, H.Watanabe 13+4reb, T.Woodbury 11+11reb+1ast, W.Marshall 10+3reb, A.Chambers 8+3reb, K.Ishikawa 5+7ast

Ehime OV - Bambitious N. 66-79

An interesting game was played in Matsuyama where Bambitious (#6) beat host Ehime (#5) 79-66 on Saturday evening. Bambitious shot 21 for 28 from the free-throw line, while Orange Vikings only scored five points from the stripe. The game was also dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and power forward Cameron Jackson (203-1996, college: Wofford) who added 18 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side guard Jonathan Stark (184-1995, college: Murray St., agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 28 points and center Kenny Lawson (207-1988, college: Creighton) scored 11 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Bambitious (2-4) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Ehime lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: J.Stark 28+2ast, K.Lawson 11+6reb, R.Otomo 8+1ast, T.Furuno 6+1reb+4ast, N.Spikes 4+10reb+2ast, S.Chiu 3+6reb+1ast
Bambitious N.: S.Hines 27+8reb+4ast, C.Jackson 18+7reb, S.Zimmerman 10+11reb+1ast, Y.Otsuka 8+3ast, E.Hayashi 6+2reb+4ast, J.Honda 4+2reb+1ast

Fukuoka R. - Chiba 74-80

Rather expected game in Fukuoka where 3rd ranked Rizing (2-4) was defeated by top-ranked Chiba (6-0) 80-74 on Saturday. Chiba forced 19 Fukuoka R. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Trey Porter (210-1996, college: Nevada) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) who added 9 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) responded with 23 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and center Joshua Smith (210-1992, college: Georgetown) scored 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Four Fukuoka R. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Chiba have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 6-0 record. Fukuoka R. at the other side dropped to the fourth place with four games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: J.Burrell 23+4reb+2ast, J.Smith 20+6reb, T.Nakamura 11+2reb+5ast, P.Aguilar 10+8reb+2ast, H.Taniguchi 5+2reb+5ast, H.Kantake 3+1reb
Chiba: R.Maeda 19+5ast, T.Porter 17+8reb+2ast, T.Kida 12+1ast, B.Ashley 9+4reb, D.Pardon 9+11reb+4ast, K.Sugimoto 6+3reb+6ast

Shizuoka - Kagoshima 81-62

Undefeated Kagoshima (4-1) recorded its first loss on the court of fourth ranked Shizuoka on Saturday night. Visitors were rolled over by Shizuoka 81-62. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Kagoshima. They outrebounded Kagoshima 42-22 including a 33-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shizuoka looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. New Zealand-Irish Finn Delany (200-1995, college: SW Baptist) fired 5 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. American forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn State) chipped in 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Shizuoka players scored in double figures. Dutch center Matt Haarms (221-1997, college: BYU) produced 15 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and Senegalese forward Bamba Diouf (198-1993) added 7 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shizuoka (3-2) moved-up to third place. Newly promoted Kagoshima still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with Kobe S.. Shizuoka are again looking forward to face league's leader Kagoshima in Renova in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kagoshima will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kagoshima: M.Haarms 15+5reb+1ast, Y.Morita 8+1reb+2ast, B.Diouf 7+5reb, A.Gaines Jr. 6+2reb+3ast, K.Richardson 6+2reb+1ast, K.Fujimoto 5+1ast
Shizuoka: M.Taylor-Barone 13+5reb+1ast, J.Harrar 13+6reb+4ast, K.Masuda 12+3reb+3ast, R.Nabeta 11+2reb+1ast, A.Brandt 10+6reb, K.Shinkawa 6+1reb+2ast

Yamagata - Toyama G. 107-78

There was a small surprise in Yamagata where sixth ranked Wyverns (2-4) outscored 4th ranked Grouses (4-2) 107-78 on Saturday. Yamagata made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 17 long-distance shots on high 53.1 percentage. Yamagata looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Filipino guard Roosevelt Adams (196-1998, college: Idaho Coll.) who helped to win the game recording 28 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and American James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) who added 22 points and 7 assists (made all of his ten free throws !!!) during the contest. At the losing side American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) responded with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and American center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 19 points and 8 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Yamagata moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Toyama G. at the other side dropped to the second position with two games lost. They share it with Shinshu and Fukui B.. Yamagata will meet at home higher ranked Toyama G. (#3) in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Toyama G. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: E.Phelps 20+10reb+3ast, M.Watt 19+8reb+3ast, A.White 14+4reb+1ast, T.Kennedy 7+2reb+2ast, N.Uto 6+6ast, Y.Nozaki 6+1reb
Yamagata: R.Adams 28+3reb+1ast, J.Bell 22+1reb+7ast, K.Okajima 19+2reb+4ast, S.Murakami 8+2reb+1ast, R.Abe 7+3reb+3ast, T.Kudou 6

Fukui B. - Fukushima 79-76

Not a big story in a game in Fukui where 7th ranked Firebonds (2-4) were edged by second ranked Blowinds (4-2) 79-76 on Saturday. However just three-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Perry Ellis (203-1993, college: Kansas) who helped to win the game recording 27 points and British forward Benjamin Lawson (216-1995, college: WKU) who added 9 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks during the contest. At the losing side American-Hungarian forward Mikael Hopkins (206-1993, college: Georgetown) responded with 13 points and 9 rebounds and Lithuanian forward Rapolas Ivanauskas (208-1998, college: Cincinnati) scored 13 points and 8 rebounds. Four Fukushima players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Newly promoted Fukui B. maintains second position with 4-2 record having just one point less than leader Chiba, which they share with Toyama G. and Shinshu. Fukushima lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth place with four games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Fukui B. will meet at home Fukushima (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Fukushima will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Fukushima: R.Ivanauskas 13+8reb+3ast, M.Hopkins 13+9reb+3ast, R.Tawatari 10+4reb+7ast, T.Tada 10+1reb+1ast, W.Weijia 6+2reb+1ast, S.Kanno 6+1reb
Fukui B.: P.Ellis 27+4reb+2ast, M.Hosoya 12+4reb+2ast, B.Lawson 9+10reb+3ast, K.Kimura 7+1ast, R.Watanabe 5+6reb+4ast, N.Fujisawa 4+2reb+2ast

Kumamoto V. - Kobe S. 81-88

Everything went according to plan in Kumamoto where second ranked Storks (4-1) won against bottom-ranked Volters (0-5) 88-81 on Saturday. Kobe S. made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of Nigerian-American power forward Morris Udeze (206-1999, college: N.Mexico, agency: Pensack Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points and 13 rebounds and American guard Chaundee Brown Jr (195-1998, college: Michigan) who added 23 points and 7 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws) during the contest. Storks' coach Predrag Krunic used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to get some rest. At the losing side American center Jamel McLean (203-1988, college: Xavier) responded with 14 points and 9 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Mitch Lightfoot (203-1997, college: Kansas) scored 8 points and 11 rebounds. Four Kumamoto V. players scored in double figures. Storks have a solid four-game winning streak. Kobe S. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Kagoshima. Kumamoto V. at the other side still closes the standings with five games lost. Kobe S. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kumamoto V. will play against the league's second-placed Kobe S. (#2) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: J.McLean 14+9reb+3ast, R.Motomura 12+2reb+3ast, Y.Noguchi 11+2reb, K.Clark 10+1reb+8ast, K.Sawabe 9+1ast, S.Yamamoto 8+2reb+2ast
Kobe S.: C.Brown Jr. 23+7reb+1ast, M.Udeze 23+13reb+1ast, N.Adrian 9+3reb+2ast, N.Dohara 9+1reb, S.Kawashima 8+2ast, Y.Tsunai 8+2reb+8ast