B2 League Round 8 (Regular Season): Fukui B. beat Ehime by two after a very close game

There were just 8 rounds played in Regular Season of B2 League and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Sixth-ranked Orange Vikings (1-8) were very close to win a game against third ranked Blowinds (6-3) in Fukui on Sunday. Blowinds managed to secure only two-point victory 71-69. However their fans expected easier game. Fukui B. forced 19 Ehime turnovers. Point guard Masashi Hosoya (173-1989) orchestrated the victory by scoring 23 points. American forward Perry Ellis (203-1993, college: Kansas) contributed with 9 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Blowinds' coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. American center Nigel Spikes (208-1989, college: Marshall) replied with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 19 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals for Ehime. Fukui B. moved-up to second place, which they share with Shizuoka. Ehime lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with eight games lost. They share it with Kumamoto V.. Fukui B. is looking forward to face league's second-placed Shizuoka on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ehime will play against the league's leader Chiba (#1) and is hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.
An interesting game for Kagoshima (8-1) which played road game in Hyogo against 3rd ranked Storks (5-4). First ranked Kagoshima managed to get a 12-point victory 75-63. Worth to mention a great performance of Dutch center Matt Haarms (221-1997, college: BYU) who helped to win the game recording 22 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks and Anthony Gaines Jr who added 8 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Kagoshima's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American guard Chaundee Brown Jr (195-1998, college: Michigan) responded with 25 points. Kagoshima have a solid four-game winning streak. Newly promoted Kagoshima maintains first position with 8-1 record. Kobe S. lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with four games lost. They share the position with Toyama G.. Kagoshima will play against Toyama G. (#4) at home in the next round. Kobe S. will play against Fukuoka R. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for Chiba (9-0) which hosted in Chiba 4th ranked Grouses (5-4). Top-ranked Chiba managed to get a 8-point victory 82-74. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by Dererk Pardon who had that evening a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds. Chiba's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 22 points by Thomas Kennedy did not help to save the game for Toyama G.. Undefeated Chiba have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 9-0 record. Toyama G. at the other side dropped to the third place with four games lost. They share the position with Kobe S.. Chiba will meet Ehime (#6) in the next round where they are favorite. Toyama G. will play against the league's leader Kagoshima in Renova and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 8: Shinshu beat Fukushima on the road 93-80. Bambitious were destroyed by Fukuoka R. on its own court 63-83. Kumamoto V. unfortunately lost to Shizuoka in a road game 75-82. Aomori W. rolled over Yamagata at home 103-76.
The most impressive performance of 8th round was 16 points and 22 rebounds by Josh Martin of Aomori W..



Fukushima - Shinshu BW 80-93

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Brave Warriors (7-2) beat 7th ranked Firebonds (2-7) in Fukushima 93-80 on Sunday. Shinshu made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists and the other American import guard Terrance Woodbury (203-1987, college: Georgia) supported him with 26 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Woodbury is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Even a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds by American-Hungarian forward Mikael Hopkins (206-1993, college: Georgetown) did not help to save the game for Fukushima. Lithuanian forward Rapolas Ivanauskas (208-1998, college: Cincinnati) added 17 points and 6 rebounds for the hosts. Four Fukushima players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Brave Warriors have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Shinshu maintains second position with 7-2 record behind leader Chiba. Fukushima lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with seven games lost. Shinshu will meet at home Yamagata (#6) in the next round. Fukushima will play against Aomori W. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: T.Woodbury 26+6reb+1ast, P.Buford 20+11reb+9ast, W.Marshall 16+3reb, K.Mitsui 8, A.Chambers 7+3reb+1ast, L.Kurihara 6
Fukushima: M.Hopkins 23+11reb+2ast, R.Ivanauskas 17+6reb+2ast, R.Tawatari 13+7ast, T.Tada 12+3reb+3ast, T.Iju 5+3ast, G.Echenique 4+2reb+1ast

Fukui B. - Ehime OV 71-69

Sixth-ranked Orange Vikings (1-8) were very close to win a game against third ranked Blowinds (6-3) in Fukui on Sunday. Blowinds managed to secure only two-point victory 71-69. However their fans expected easier game. Fukui B. forced 19 Ehime turnovers. Point guard Masashi Hosoya (173-1989) orchestrated the victory by scoring 23 points. American forward Perry Ellis (203-1993, college: Kansas) contributed with 9 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Blowinds' coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. American center Nigel Spikes (208-1989, college: Marshall) replied with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 19 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals and naturalized American point guard Ryuji Aoki (178-1998, college: Rose-Hulman) added 17 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Ehime. Fukui B. moved-up to second place, which they share with Shizuoka. Ehime lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with eight games lost. They share it with Kumamoto V.. Fukui B. is looking forward to face league's second-placed Shizuoka on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ehime will play against the league's leader Chiba (#1) and is hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Fukui B.: M.Hosoya 23+2reb, N.Fujisawa 11+2ast, P.Ellis 9+11reb+4ast, B.Lawson 9+6reb+1ast, T.Hasegawa 8+4reb+4ast, J.Mitsuda 4+1reb+1ast
Ehime OV: N.Spikes 22+19reb+4ast, R.Aoki 17+6reb+2ast, R.Taira 10+4reb+3ast, A.Honda 9+2reb, T.Furuno 4+4reb+9ast, R.Otomo 4+1reb

Kobe S. - Kagoshima 63-75

An interesting game for Kagoshima (8-1) which played road game in Hyogo against 3rd ranked Storks (5-4). First ranked Kagoshima managed to get a 12-point victory 75-63. Kagoshima dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Storks's 28. Worth to mention a great performance of Dutch center Matt Haarms (221-1997, college: BYU) who helped to win the game recording 22 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks and American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) who added 8 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Kagoshima's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American guard Chaundee Brown Jr (195-1998, college: Michigan) responded with 25 points and American-Italian Nathan Adrian (206-1995, college: WVU, agency: Diamond Sports) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Kagoshima have a solid four-game winning streak. Newly promoted Kagoshima maintains first position with 8-1 record. Kobe S. lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with four games lost. They share the position with Toyama G.. Kagoshima will play against Toyama G. (#4) at home in the next round. Kobe S. will play against Fukuoka R. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kagoshima: M.Haarms 22+9reb+1ast, B.Diouf 12+3reb, K.Richardson 9+4reb+2ast, A.Gaines Jr. 8+9reb+3ast, Y.Morita 8+2reb+8ast, K.Fujimoto 7+1ast
Kobe S.: C.Brown Jr. 25+3reb+1ast, N.Adrian 12+5reb+1ast, N.Dohara 10+2reb+4ast, M.Udeze 7+6reb+1ast, R.Kaneda 5+1reb+2ast, P.Kalonji 4+6reb

Bambitious N. - Fukuoka R. 63-83

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when one of their biggest challengers Bambitious (3-6) was smashed by fifth ranked Rizing (3-6) in Nara 83-63 on Sunday. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by center Joshua Smith (210-1992, college: Georgetown) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds and forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) supported him with 6 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Rizing players scored in double figures. Even 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists by Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) did not help to save the game for Bambitious. Power forward Cameron Jackson (203-1996, college: Wofford) added 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Fukuoka R. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Bambitious and Yamagata. Fukuoka R. will meet at home higher ranked Kobe S. (#3) in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Bambitious will play against Kumamoto V. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: J.Smith 17+13reb+3ast, H.Taniguchi 17+1reb+2ast, T.Nakamura 12+4reb+4ast, S.Murakami 10+2reb+2ast, T.Nishikawa 8+2reb, J.Burrell 6+10reb+4ast
Bambitious N.: S.Hines 19+6reb+5ast, C.Jackson 14+6reb+6ast, E.Hayashi 9+3reb+2ast, M.Komaki 8+1reb+1ast, S.Zimmerman 6+8reb+4ast, E.Nakatani 4+1reb

Chiba - Toyama G. 82-74

An interesting game for Chiba (9-0) which hosted in Chiba 4th ranked Grouses (5-4). Top-ranked Chiba managed to get a 8-point victory 82-74. Chiba looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds and Brandon Ashley (206-1994, college: Arizona) supported him with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Four Chiba players scored in double figures. Chiba's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 22 points by forward Thomas Kennedy (201-1987, college: Detroit) did not help to save the game for Toyama G.. Forward Aaron White (206-1992, college: Iowa, agency: Slash Sports) added 15 points and 6 rebounds for the guests. Chiba have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 9-0 record. Toyama G. at the other side dropped to the third place with four games lost. They share the position with Kobe S.. Chiba will meet Ehime (#6) in the next round where they are favorite. Toyama G. will play against the league's leader Kagoshima in Renova and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba: B.Ashley 16+6reb+2ast, D.Pardon 14+13reb+3ast, T.Kida 13+1reb, Y.Osaki 10+3reb+2ast, T.Porter 9+5reb+3ast, R.Maeda 6+1reb+2ast
Toyama G.: T.Kennedy 22+2reb+1ast, E.Phelps 16+6reb+1ast, A.White 15+6reb+2ast, M.Watt 8+9reb+4ast, Y.Nozaki 5+4reb+1ast, N.Uto 4+4reb+3ast

Shizuoka - Kumamoto V. 82-75

Rather predictable result when second ranked Shizuoka (6-3) won against at home 6th ranked Volters (1-8) 82-75 on Sunday. Shizuoka outrebounded Kumamoto V. 44-23 including a 16-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. The winners were led by American forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn State) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 15 rebounds and Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) supported him with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Shizuoka players scored in double figures. Even 24 points and 6 rebounds by American-Thailand guard Tyler Lamb (195-1991, college: LBSU) did not help to save the game for Kumamoto V.. American point guard Kihei Clark (175-2000, college: Virginia) added 11 points and 4 assists for the guests. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Shizuoka have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-3 record having just two points less than leader Chiba, which they share with Fukui B. Loser Volters keeps the sixth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Ehime. Shizuoka will meet at home Fukui B. (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kumamoto V. will play against Bambitious and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shizuoka: J.Harrar 20+15reb+3ast, A.Brandt 18+5reb+5ast, N.Hashimoto 16+3reb+1ast, K.Shinkawa 12+6reb+3ast, M.Taylor-Barone 5+4reb+2ast, Y.Okada 5+6reb+4ast
Kumamoto V.: T.Lamb 24+6reb+1ast, S.Yamamoto 14+1reb+2ast, K.Clark 11+2reb+4ast, H.Isono 9+2reb+3ast, M.Lightfoot 6+7reb, R.Nagashima 5+1reb+3ast

Aomori W. - Yamagata 103-76

Everything could happen in Aomori at the game between two tied teams. Both sixth ranked Watts and 5th ranked Wyverns had identical 3-5 record. This time Watts used a home court advantage and outscored the opponent from Yamagata 103-76 on Sunday night. Aomori W. outrebounded Yamagata 50-28 including a 33-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Aomori W. looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists. The winners were led by American forward Josh Martin (201-1995, college: Santa Clara) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 16 points and 22 rebounds and the other American import center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech, agency: Slash Sports) supported him with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Watts' coach felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 12 points and 7 rebounds by American James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) did not help to save the game for Yamagata. Point guard Ryusei Abe (181-1995) added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the guests. Four Aomori W. and five Yamagata players scored in double figures. Aomori W. (4-5) moved-up to fifth place. Loser Wyverns dropped to the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with Fukuoka R. and Bambitious. Aomori W. will meet Fukushima (#7) on the road in the next round. Yamagata will play against the league's second-placed Shinshu in Nagano and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Aomori W.: M.Hisatake 20+13reb+1ast, K.Terashima 17+2reb+3ast, J.Martin 16+22reb, R.Kelly 11+5reb+4ast, T.Kagitomi 8+1reb+2ast, Y.Otaka 8+2reb+2ast
Yamagata: T.Sato 13+3reb, J.Bell 12+7reb+3ast, S.Murakami 11+2reb+4ast, R.Abe 10+5reb+4ast, K.Okajima 10+1reb+4ast, T.Toshino 8+2reb+2ast