B2 League Round 51 (Regular Season): Fukuoka R. lose to Fukui B.

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 9 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Top ranked Rizing (35-16) recorded its sixteenth loss in Fukuoka on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Blowinds (28-23) 82-67. Fukui B. outrebounded Fukuoka R. 41-27 including a 34-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. Fukui B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke, agency: Slash Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 26 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international forward You Nishino (198-1998) chipped in 27 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Andrew Randall (198-1990, college: Temple) who recorded 18 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Newly promoted Fukui B. maintains fourth place with 28-23 record. Fukuoka R. at the other side still keeps top position with 16 games lost. Fukui B. are looking forward to face higher ranked Shinshu (#3) in Nagano in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Fukuoka R. will play at home against Kobe S. and is hoping to win this game.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Nagano. First ranked Chiba faced 3rd placed Brave Warriors. Guests from Chiba (48-3) smashed host Brave Warriors (32-19) 100-71. It was a good game for American forward Trey Porter (210-1996, college: Nevada) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds. Dererk Pardon contributed with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Chiba's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. The former international forward Eliet Kojima-Donley (198-1996, college: Chaminade, agency: Slash Sports) answered with 19 points and 5 rebounds for Shinshu. Chiba have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. They maintain first place with 48-3 record. Shinshu at the other side dropped to the second position with 19 games lost. They share it with Kagoshima. Chiba will play against league's second-placed Kagoshima in Renova in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Shinshu will play at home against Fukui B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Toyama. Second ranked Grouses faced 3rd placed Shizuoka. Host Grouses (34-17) defeated guests from Shizuoka (29-22) 88-77. It was a great evening for Aaron White who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. The best for the losing side was John Harrar with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Grouses. Toyama G. maintains second place with 34-17 record behind leader Chiba. Loser Shizuoka keeps the third position with 22 games lost. Toyama G. will meet Aomori W. (#6) on the road in the next round. Shizuoka will play against Kumamoto V. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games of round 51 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Fukushima was defeated by Kobe S. in Hyogo 95-78. Kumamoto V. beat Ehime at home 88-70. Yamagata won against Bambitious on the opponent's court 81-67. Kagoshima outscored Aomori W. in a home game 101-72.
The best stats of 51th round was 24 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks by Matt Haarms of Kagoshima.



Fukuoka R. - Fukui B. 67-82

Top ranked Rizing (35-16) recorded its sixteenth loss in Fukuoka on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Blowinds (28-23) 82-67. Fukui B. outrebounded Fukuoka R. 41-27 including a 34-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. Fukui B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke, agency: Slash Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 26 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international forward You Nishino (198-1998) chipped in 27 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Andrew Randall (198-1990, college: Temple) who recorded 18 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international forward Takanobu Nishikawa (196-1992) added 11 points respectively. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Newly promoted Fukui B. maintains fourth place with 28-23 record. Fukuoka R. at the other side still keeps top position with 16 games lost. Fukui B. are looking forward to face higher ranked Shinshu (#3) in Nagano in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Fukuoka R. will play at home against Kobe S. and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Fukui B.: Y.Nishino 27+4reb+2ast, R.Kelly 26+13reb+4ast, P.Ellis 16+14reb+2ast, T.Hasegawa 9+7reb+7ast, J.Mitsuda 2+2reb+1ast, E.Naito 2
Fukuoka R.: A.Randall 18+9reb+5ast, T.Nishikawa 11+3reb+3ast, T.Nakamura 10+1reb, S.Murakami 8+2reb, H.Taniguchi 8+1reb, I.Brown 6+9reb+2ast

Kobe S. - Fukushima 95-78

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 7th ranked Firebonds' (12-39) road loss to sixth ranked Storks (20-31) 78-95 on Sunday. Kobe S. made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. Kobe S. outrebounded Fukushima 34-23 including 24 on the defensive glass. It was a great shooting night for Kobe S. especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 56.3 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a great evening for American guard Chaundee Brown Jr (195-1998, college: Michigan) who led his team to a victory scoring 21 points and 6 rebounds. American-Italian Nathan Adrian (206-1995, college: WVU, agency: Diamond Sports) helped adding 16 points and 5 assists. Storks' coach Predrag Krunic let to play all 12 players saving starting five for next games. The best for the losing side was Nigerian-American power forward Morris Udeze (206-1999, college: N.Mexico, agency: Pensack Sports) with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field) and American-Hungarian forward Mikael Hopkins (206-1993, college: Georgetown) scored 19 points and 6 rebounds. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Storks. Kobe S. maintains sixth place with 20-31 record. Fukushima lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the seventh position with 39 games lost. Kobe S. will meet league's leader Fukuoka R. on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Fukushima will play against Yamagata (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kobe S.: C.Brown Jr. 21+6reb+1ast, S.Kawashima 19+1reb+2ast, N.Adrian 16+4reb+5ast, R.Nomizo 11+1reb, R.Kaneda 10+1reb+2ast, I.Butts 8+7reb+3ast
Fukushima: M.Udeze 24+10reb+4ast, M.Hopkins 19+6reb+1ast, R.Tawatari 16+1reb+4ast, S.Sato 8+1reb+1ast, K.Kasai 5+3reb+1ast, T.Iju 3+1ast

Kumamoto V. - Ehime OV 88-70

No shocking result in a game in Kumamoto where fifth ranked Volters (23-28) defeated 7th ranked Orange Vikings (5-46) 88-70 on Sunday. Kumamoto V. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for American center Jamel McLean (203-1988, college: Xavier) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds. Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (208-1990, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) helped adding 14 points and 9 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American forward Terrance King (198-1990, college: ESU, agency: Diamond Sports) with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds and point guard Takumi Furuno (178-1993) scored 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Five Kumamoto V. and four Ehime players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Volters. Kumamoto V. moved-up to fourth place. Loser Orange Vikings keeps the seventh position with 46 games lost. Kumamoto V. will meet higher ranked Shizuoka (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Ehime will play against Bambitious (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: J.McLean 15+13reb+2ast, G.Echenique 14+9reb+3ast, A.Yamada 14+2ast, K.Hosaka 11+3reb+5ast, M.Lightfoot 10+5reb, T.Lamb 8+2reb+2ast
Ehime OV: T.King 19+14reb, N.Gadson 17+2reb+1ast, R.Taira 10+2reb+2ast, T.Furuno 10+5reb+6ast, R.Takeuchi 9+4reb, N.Spikes 5+9reb+3ast

Bambitious N. - Yamagata 67-81

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Nara where 5th ranked Bambitious (22-29) was defeated by sixth ranked Wyverns (19-32) 81-67 on Sunday. The game was dominated by American players. It was a great evening for TJ Holyfield (203-1995, college: Texas Tech) who led his team to a victory scoring 15 points and 8 rebounds. James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) helped adding 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Wyverns players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) with 22 points and 6 assists and power forward Cameron Jackson (203-1996, college: Wofford) scored 12 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Yamagata moved-up to fifth place which they share with defeated Bambitious. Loser Bambitious N. keep the fifth position with 29 games lost. Yamagata will meet Fukushima (#7) on the road in the next round. Bambitious will play against Ehime in Matsuyama and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yamagata: T.Holyfield 15+8reb+2ast, S.Murakami 13+4reb+4ast, K.Okajima 13+2reb+4ast, J.Bell 12+5reb+5ast, R.Abe 7+2reb+4ast, L.Demetrio 7+4reb+1ast
Bambitious N.: S.Hines 22+3reb+6ast, C.Jackson 12+8reb+1ast, S.Zimmerman 9+7reb+1ast, E.Hayashi 7+1reb+2ast, M.Komaki 7+1reb+1ast, E.Nakatani 4+3ast

Shinshu BW - Chiba 71-100

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Nagano. First ranked Chiba faced 3rd placed Brave Warriors. Guests from Chiba (48-3) smashed host Brave Warriors (32-19) 100-71. Chiba dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Brave Warriors's 34. Chiba outrebounded Shinshu 45-29 including a 30-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Chiba players were unselfish on offense dishing 28 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Shinshu's players. It was a good game for American forward Trey Porter (210-1996, college: Nevada) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds. His fellow American import center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) contributed with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Four Chiba players scored in double figures. Chiba's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. The former international forward Eliet Kojima-Donley (198-1996, college: Chaminade, agency: Slash Sports) answered with 19 points and 5 rebounds and the former international guard Aki Chambers (191-1990, college: UC Merced) added 21 points in the effort for Shinshu. Chiba have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. They maintain first place with 48-3 record. Shinshu at the other side dropped to the second position with 19 games lost. They share it with Kagoshima. Chiba will play against league's second-placed Kagoshima in Renova in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Shinshu will play at home against Fukui B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba: T.Porter 15+13reb+1ast, K.Kurokawa 14+1reb+3ast, D.Pardon 12+9reb+4ast, R.Maeda 11+2reb+2ast, N.Kumagae 11+2reb+1ast, T.Kida 10+2reb
Shinshu BW: A.Chambers 21+3reb+1ast, E.Kojima-Donley 19+5reb+1ast, T.Kodama 11+2reb+1ast, H.Watanabe 8+8reb+5ast, R.Yamazaki 5+1reb+1ast, K.Ishikawa 5+2reb

Toyama G. - Shizuoka 88-77

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Toyama. Second ranked Grouses faced 3rd placed Shizuoka. Host Grouses (34-17) defeated guests from Shizuoka (29-22) 88-77. Toyama G. made 25-of-30 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Toyama G. made 7 blocks. It was a great evening for American forward Aaron White (206-1992, college: Iowa, agency: Slash Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) helped adding 21 points and 10 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Four Grouses players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn State) with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds and swingman Keisuke Masuda (194-1998) scored 9 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Grouses. Toyama G. maintains second place with 34-17 record behind leader Chiba. Loser Shizuoka keeps the third position with 22 games lost. Toyama G. will meet Aomori W. (#6) on the road in the next round. Shizuoka will play against Kumamoto V. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: E.Phelps 21+10reb, T.Kennedy 18+5reb+1ast, A.White 18+11reb+8ast, M.Watt 11+3reb+3ast, Y.Nozaki 8+3ast, N.Uto 4+1reb+3ast
Shizuoka: J.Harrar 25+12reb+1ast, F.Delany 15+4reb+3ast, M.Taylor-Barone 11+9reb, K.Masuda 9+6reb+9ast, R.Hashimoto 7+3reb+2ast, N.Hashimoto 5+3reb

Kagoshima - Aomori W. 101-72

Rather predictable result in Renova where second ranked Kagoshima (32-19) outscored 6th ranked Watts (18-33) 101-72 on Sunday. Kagoshima dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Watts's 34. Kagoshima outrebounded Aomori W. 44-32 including a 33-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Kagoshima looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Aomori W.'s players. It was a great evening for Dutch center Matt Haarms (221-1997, college: BYU) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks. American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) helped adding 11 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists. Five Kagoshima players scored in double figures. Coach 's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play all 12 players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. The best for the losing side was Czech Patrik Auda (206-1989, college: Seton Hall, agency: Octagon Europe) with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 12 rebounds and guard Mone Hall (190-1999) scored 9 points and 6 rebounds. Newly promoted Kagoshima maintains second place with 32-19 record having just three points less than leader Chiba, which they share with Shinshu. Aomori W. lost their eighth game in a row. They keep the sixth position with 33 games lost. Kagoshima will meet league's leader Chiba on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Aomori W. will play against the league's second-placed Toyama G. (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kagoshima: M.Haarms 24+11reb+1ast, J.Ennis 15+10reb+6ast, T.Komamizu 13+2reb+1ast, B.Diouf 13+2reb+1ast, A.Gaines Jr. 11+16reb+5ast, T.Kodama 8+1reb+5ast
Aomori W.: P.Auda 27+12reb+1ast, S.Tokairin 11+2reb, Y.Ikeda 9+2reb+4ast, M.Hall 9+6reb+3ast, K.Terashima 6, N.Kamizato 6+4reb+1ast