B2 League Round 52 (Regular Season): #1 Fukuoka R. is defeated by Kobe S.

The games are now more important than at the beginning of the Regular Season. We may still expect few shocking results in upcoming 8 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was another loss of top-ranked Rizing (35-17) in Fukuoka on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by sixth ranked Storks (21-31) 95-85. Kobe S. dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Rizing's 28. Kobe S. outrebounded Fukuoka R. 49-21 including a 20-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Chaundee Brown Jr (195-1998, college: Michigan) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 25 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists and Riichi Nomizo who added 32 points during the contest. At the losing side the former international forward Takanobu Nishikawa (196-1992) responded with 23 points and 5 assists (made all of his eight free throws). Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Storks have an impressive six-game winning streak. Kobe S. maintains sixth position with 21-31 record. Fukuoka R. at the other side still keeps top place with 17 games lost. They share the position with Toyama G.. Kobe S. are looking forward to face higher ranked Shizuoka (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Fukuoka R. will play against Ehime in Matsuyama and is hoping to win this game.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Chiba. First ranked host Chiba (49-3) smashed their biggest opponent Kagoshima (32-20) 97-70. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Kagoshima. Americans were the main players on the court. The winners were led by Brandon Ashley (206-1994, college: Arizona) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 28 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists and Dererk Pardon supported him with 8 points and 13 rebounds. Even 14 points and 8 rebounds by swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) did not help to save the game for Kagoshima. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Chiba have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 49-3 record. Newly promoted Kagoshima keeps the second place with 20 games lost. Chiba will play against league's second-placed Toyama G. at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kagoshima will play against Fukui B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Nagano. Third ranked host Brave Warriors (33-19) defeated one of their biggest challengers Blowinds (28-24) 80-69. Perrin Buford fired a double-double by scoring 20 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners. Ryan Kelly produced 22 points and 9 rebounds for lost side. Blowinds' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Shinshu maintains third position with 33-19 record having just two points less than leader Chiba. Newly promoted Fukui B. keeps the fourth place with 24 games lost. Shinshu will meet Fukushima (#7) on the road in the next round. Fukui B. will play against the league's second-placed Kagoshima and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 52: Toyama G. won against Aomori W. on the opponent's court 93-79. Ehime unfortunately lost to Bambitious in a home game 71-83. Yamagata managed to beat Fukushima on the road 74-66. Shizuoka defeated Kumamoto V. on its own court 86-78.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 15 points and 11 rebounds by John Harrar of Shizuoka.



Chiba - Kagoshima 97-70

The game between Top Four teams took place in Chiba. First ranked host Chiba (49-3) smashed their biggest opponent Kagoshima (32-20) 97-70. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Kagoshima. They outrebounded Kagoshima 48-34 including 18 on the offensive glass. Chiba players were unselfish on offense dishing 28 assists. Kagoshima was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Americans were the main players on the court. The winners were led by Brandon Ashley (206-1994, college: Arizona) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 28 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists and center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) supported him with 8 points and 13 rebounds. Even 14 points and 8 rebounds by swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) did not help to save the game for Kagoshima. Swingman James Ennis (201-1990, college: LBSU, agency: Diamond Sports) added 14 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Chiba have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 49-3 record. Newly promoted Kagoshima keeps the second place with 20 games lost. Chiba will play against league's second-placed Toyama G. at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kagoshima will play against Fukui B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba: B.Ashley 28+17reb+4ast, Y.Otsuka 14+3reb+1ast, T.Kida 13+1ast, R.Maeda 11+2reb+8ast, D.Pardon 8+13reb+3ast, Y.Osaki 7+4reb+1ast
Kagoshima: J.Ennis 14+5reb+1ast, A.Gaines Jr. 14+8reb+2ast, J.Uera 8+1reb, T.Kodama 8+2reb+5ast, M.Haarms 8+8reb+2ast, B.Diouf 7+4reb+1ast

Aomori W. - Toyama G. 79-93

Very expected game in Aomori where 6th ranked Watts (18-34) were defeated by second ranked Grouses (35-17) 93-79 on Wednesday. Toyama G. shot 61.3 percent from the field. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) fired a triple-double by scoring 23 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winners. American forward Aaron White (206-1992, college: Iowa, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Grouses' coach used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Czech Patrik Auda (206-1989, college: Seton Hall, agency: Octagon Europe) produced a double-double by scoring 24 points and 14 rebounds and point guard Yuichi Ikeda (183-1997) added 11 points and 10 assists respectively for lost side. Five Toyama G. and four Aomori W. players scored in double figures. Grouses have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Toyama G. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Fukuoka R. Aomori W. lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 34 games lost. Toyama G. 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 Yamagata (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: A.White 23+9reb+5ast, E.Phelps 23+12reb+10ast, T.Kennedy 17+6reb+1ast, N.Uto 15+3ast, Y.Nozaki 10+3reb+3ast, H.Tanaka 2+1reb+3ast
Aomori W.: P.Auda 24+14reb+2ast, M.Hall 14+3reb+2ast, R.Kelly 14+5reb+1ast, Y.Ikeda 11+3reb+10ast, K.Terashima 5+1reb, T.Kagitomi 4+1reb+1ast

Ehime OV - Bambitious N. 71-83

Rather predictable result in Matsuyama where fifth ranked Bambitious (23-29) defeated 7th ranked Orange Vikings (5-47) 83-71 on Wednesday. Bambitious looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Americans were the main players on the court also this time. Center Stephen Zimmerman (211-1996, college: UNLV, agency: Slash Sports) fired a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) chipped in 18 points. Four Bambitious N. players scored in double figures. Forward Terrance King (198-1990, college: ESU, agency: Diamond Sports) produced 19 points and 5 rebounds and forward Novar Gadson (201-1989, college: Rider) added 10 points and 7 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Bambitious moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Kumamoto V. Ehime lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 47 games lost. Bambitious will meet Kumamoto V. (#5) on the road in the next round. Ehime will play against the league's leader Fukuoka R. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Bambitious N.: S.Hines 18+3reb+3ast, S.Zimmerman 16+12reb+1ast, M.Komaki 13+1reb+2ast, C.Jackson 12+8reb+1ast, S.Ishii 8+2reb+1ast, E.Hayashi 7+2reb+3ast
Ehime OV: T.King 19+5reb+1ast, R.Takeuchi 11+1reb, N.Gadson 10+3reb+7ast, R.Aoki 8+2reb+1ast, Y.Okuda 6+4reb+5ast, R.Taira 5+2reb

Fukuoka R. - Kobe S. 85-95

The most surprising game was another loss of top-ranked Rizing (35-17) in Fukuoka on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by sixth ranked Storks (21-31) 95-85. Kobe S. dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Rizing's 28. Kobe S. outrebounded Fukuoka R. 49-21 including a 20-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Chaundee Brown Jr (195-1998, college: Michigan) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 25 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists and Riichi Nomizo who added 32 points during the contest. At the losing side the former international forward Takanobu Nishikawa (196-1992) responded with 23 points and 5 assists (made all of his eight free throws) and American forward Andrew Randall (198-1990, college: Temple) scored 13 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Five Fukuoka R. players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Storks have an impressive six-game winning streak. Kobe S. maintains sixth position with 21-31 record. Fukuoka R. at the other side still keeps top place with 17 games lost. They share the position with Toyama G.. Kobe S. are looking forward to face higher ranked Shizuoka (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Fukuoka R. will play against Ehime in Matsuyama and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Kobe S.: R.Nomizo 32+4reb+2ast, C.Brown Jr. 25+14reb+4ast, S.Kawashima 15+3reb+3ast, I.Butts 5+15reb+4ast, Y.Tsunai 5, N.Adrian 4+6reb+1ast
Fukuoka R.: T.Nishikawa 23+2reb+5ast, H.Taniguchi 14+2reb+1ast, J.Burrell 13+3reb+1ast, A.Randall 13+7reb+7ast, T.Nakamura 12+3reb, H.Kantake 5

Fukushima - Yamagata 66-74

Not a big story in a game in Fukushima where 7th ranked Firebonds (12-40) were defeated by fifth ranked Wyverns (20-32) 74-66 on Wednesday. American TJ Holyfield (203-1995, college: Texas Tech) fired a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. The other American import James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in 16 points. Wyverns' coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Lithuanian forward Rapolas Ivanauskas (208-1998, college: Cincinnati) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds and American-Hungarian forward Mikael Hopkins (206-1993, college: Georgetown) added 11 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Fukushima players scored in double figures. Yamagata maintains fifth position with 20-32 record. Fukushima lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 40 games lost. Yamagata will meet at home Aomori W. (#6) in the next round. Fukushima will play against Shinshu and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yamagata: T.Holyfield 18+10reb+1ast, J.Bell 16+4reb+3ast, S.Murakami 10+1reb+1ast, K.Okajima 9+2reb+4ast, R.Adams 7+7reb, R.Abe 4+3reb+1ast
Fukushima: T.Iju 13+3ast, R.Ivanauskas 13+12reb+2ast, M.Udeze 12+7reb+1ast, M.Hopkins 11+9reb+1ast, S.Sato 9+3ast, R.Tawatari 6+5ast

Shinshu BW - Fukui B. 80-69

The game between Top Four teams took place in Nagano. Third ranked host Brave Warriors (33-19) defeated one of their biggest challengers Blowinds (28-24) 80-69. Shinshu looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) fired a double-double by scoring 20 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners (made all of his seven free throws). The former international center Hugh Watanabe (207-1998, agency: Schafer Sports) chipped in 18 points and 5 rebounds. American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke, agency: Slash Sports) produced 22 points and 9 rebounds and his fellow American import power forward Gary Hamilton (208-1984, college: Miami, FL, agency: Inception Sports) added 7 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Blowinds' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Shinshu maintains third position with 33-19 record having just two points less than leader Chiba. Newly promoted Fukui B. keeps the fourth place with 24 games lost. Shinshu will meet Fukushima (#7) on the road in the next round. Fukui B. will play against the league's second-placed Kagoshima and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: P.Buford 20+8reb+10ast, H.Watanabe 18+5reb+2ast, T.Kano 13+11reb+1ast, K.Ishikawa 8+1reb+4ast, E.Kojima-Donley 6+4reb+3ast, A.Chambers 6+3reb+1ast
Fukui B.: R.Kelly 22+9reb+2ast, P.Ellis 10+3reb+1ast, Y.Nishino 9+4reb, J.Mitsuda 7+1reb+1ast, G.Hamilton 7+3reb+4ast, T.Hasegawa 5+3ast

Shizuoka - Kumamoto V. 86-78

The game between closely ranked teams ended with third ranked Shizuoka's (30-22) home victory over one of their biggest challengers Volters (23-29) 86-78 on Wednesday. Shizuoka made 16-of-17 free shots (94.1 percent) during the game. New Zealand-Irish Finn Delany (200-1995, college: SW Baptist) fired 24 points for the winners (made all of his seven free throws). American forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn State) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds. Four Shizuoka players scored in double figures. American forward Mitch Lightfoot (203-1997, college: Kansas, agency: Slash Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) and his fellow American import center Jamel McLean (203-1988, college: Xavier) added 7 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Shizuoka maintains third position with 30-22 record having five points less than leader Chiba. Loser Volters keeps the fourth place with 29 games lost. They share the position with Bambitious. Shizuoka will meet at home Kobe S. (#6) in the next round. Kumamoto V. will play against Bambitious and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shizuoka: F.Delany 24+2reb+1ast, J.Harrar 15+11reb, Y.Okada 11+1reb+4ast, T.Takumi 11+3reb+2ast, R.Hashimoto 10+1reb+2ast, M.Taylor-Barone 8+5reb+1ast
Kumamoto V.: S.Yamamoto 16+1reb+2ast, M.Lightfoot 12+10reb+1ast, G.Echenique 10+6reb+2ast, J.McLean 7+6reb+6ast, C.Tanaka 7+1reb+1ast, T.Lamb 6+3reb