B2 League Round 57 (Regular Season): Toyama G. lose to Kumamoto V.

The Regular Season in B2 League is almost over. Almost everything is clear. There are only 3 rounds left. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game between third ranked Grouses (35-21) and fourth ranked Volters (26-30) was the most important one in the last round on Saturday night. Grouses were defeated by Volters in a tough game in Kumamoto 96-103. Kumamoto V. outrebounded Toyama G. 37-26 including 23 on the defensive glass. Kumamoto V. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. 26 personal fouls committed by Toyama G. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (208-1990, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with 22 points and 8 rebounds. American-Thailand guard Tyler Lamb (195-1991, college: LBSU, agency: Slash Sports) contributed with 23 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American forward Aaron White (206-1992, college: Iowa, agency: Slash Sports) answered with 25 points and 4 assists for Toyama G.Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Volters have a solid series of three victories in a row. Kumamoto V. maintains fourth place with 26-30 record. Toyama G. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the third position with 21 games lost. Kumamoto V. are looking forward to face higher ranked Toyama G. (#3) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Toyama G. will have a break next round.
An interesting game for Rizing (41-17) which hosted in Fukuoka 3rd placed Shizuoka (33-25). First ranked Rizing managed to get a 9-point victory 76-67. American center Joshua Smith (210-1992, college: Georgetown) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 16 rebounds for the winners and Justin Burrell chipped in 11 points and 9 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn State) with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Rizing have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Fukuoka R. maintains first place with 41-17 record. Shizuoka at the other side keeps the third position with 25 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
An interesting game for Rizing (41-17) which hosted in Fukuoka 3rd placed Shizuoka (33-25). First ranked Rizing managed to get a 14-point victory 75-61. Andrew Randall nailed 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side. John Harrar came up with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 13 rebounds for Shizuoka in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Rizing. Fukuoka R. maintains first place with 41-17 record. Loser Shizuoka keeps the third position with 25 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 57: Chiba beat Fukushima on the road 86-79. Bambitious were destroyed by Kobe S. on its own court 58-107. Aomori W. unfortunately lost to Shinshu in Nagano 65-80. Yamagata recorded a loss to Fukui B. at home 82-87.
The most impressive performance of 57th round was 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists by TJ Holyfield of Yamagata.



Fukuoka R. - Shizuoka 76-67

An interesting game for Rizing (41-17) which hosted in Fukuoka 3rd placed Shizuoka (33-25). First ranked Rizing managed to get a 9-point victory 76-67. Fukuoka R. shot 23 for 33 from the free-throw line, while Shizuoka only scored six points from the stripe. American center Joshua Smith (210-1992, college: Georgetown) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 16 rebounds for the winners and his fellow American import forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) chipped in 11 points and 9 rebounds. Five Rizing 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 14 points and 11 rebounds and point guard Yuzo Okada (180-1992) scored 12 points and 8 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Rizing have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Fukuoka R. maintains first place with 41-17 record. Shizuoka at the other side keeps the third position with 25 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Shizuoka: F.Delany 16+4reb+1ast, J.Harrar 14+11reb+1ast, Y.Okada 12+2reb+8ast, K.Masuda 7+2reb, M.Taylor-Barone 5, R.Hashimoto 3+2reb+2ast
Fukuoka R.: A.Randall 14+4reb+3ast, T.Nishikawa 13+1reb+2ast, J.Smith 13+16reb+2ast, H.Taniguchi 11+3reb+1ast, J.Burrell 11+9reb+3ast, S.Murakami 3+1reb+2ast

Fukuoka R. - Shizuoka 75-61

An interesting game for Rizing (41-17) which hosted in Fukuoka 3rd placed Shizuoka (33-25). First ranked Rizing managed to get a 14-point victory 75-61. American forward Andrew Randall (198-1990, college: Temple) nailed 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and his fellow American import center Joshua Smith (210-1992, college: Georgetown) accounted for 10 points and 7 rebounds. American forward John Harrar (205-1999, college: Penn State) came up with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 13 rebounds and Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) added 6 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Shizuoka in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Rizing. Fukuoka R. maintains first place with 41-17 record. Loser Shizuoka keeps the third position with 25 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Shizuoka: Y.Okada 13+3ast, J.Harrar 11+13reb+2ast, T.Takumi 9+1reb, N.Hashimoto 9+2reb+2ast, K.Masuda 7+2reb+1ast, A.Brandt 6+6reb+4ast
Fukuoka R.: T.Nishikawa 15, A.Randall 14+5reb+5ast, T.Nakamura 11, J.Smith 10+7reb, S.Murakami 6+4reb+1ast, J.Burrell 5+7reb+4ast

Fukushima - Chiba 79-86

No shocking result in a game when first ranked Chiba (54-3) beat 7th ranked Firebonds (14-43) in Fukushima 86-79 on Saturday. Chiba made 23-of-30 free shots (76.7 percent) during the game. American Brandon Ashley (206-1994, college: Arizona) nailed 14 points for the winning side and his fellow American import center Dererk Pardon (203-1996, college: Northwestern) accounted for 10 points and 8 rebounds. Sera Sato came up with 18 points and American-Hungarian forward Mikael Hopkins (206-1993, college: Georgetown) added 11 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Fukushima in the defeat. Five Fukushima players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the fifteenth consecutive win for Chiba. They maintain first place with 54-3 record. Loser Firebonds keeps the seventh position with 43 games lost. Chiba will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Fukushima will play again against the league's leader Chiba (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Fukushima: S.Sato 18+2ast, T.Iju 12+1reb+4ast, M.Hopkins 11+8reb, R.Ivanauskas 10+6reb+1ast, M.Udeze 10+6reb, K.Kasai 10+1reb+6ast
Chiba: B.Ashley 14+4reb+2ast, Y.Otsuka 13, R.Maeda 11, K.Kurokawa 10+1reb+2ast, D.Pardon 10+8reb, K.Sugimoto 7+2reb+6ast

Kumamoto V. - Toyama G. 103-96

The game between third ranked Grouses (35-21) and fourth ranked Volters (26-30) was the most important one in the last round on Saturday night. Grouses were defeated by Volters in a tough game in Kumamoto 96-103. Kumamoto V. outrebounded Toyama G. 37-26 including 23 on the defensive glass. Kumamoto V. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. 26 personal fouls committed by Toyama G. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (208-1990, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with 22 points and 8 rebounds. American-Thailand guard Tyler Lamb (195-1991, college: LBSU, agency: Slash Sports) contributed with 23 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American forward Aaron White (206-1992, college: Iowa, agency: Slash Sports) answered with 25 points and 4 assists and American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) added 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Toyama G.Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Volters have a solid series of three victories in a row. Kumamoto V. maintains fourth place with 26-30 record. Toyama G. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the third position with 21 games lost. Kumamoto V. are looking forward to face higher ranked Toyama G. (#3) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Toyama G. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: A.White 25+4reb+4ast, E.Phelps 17+7reb+4ast, T.Kennedy 12+3reb+2ast, Y.Nozaki 11+2reb, H.Tanaka 10+2reb+1ast, M.Watt 10+2reb+1ast
Kumamoto V.: T.Lamb 23+5reb+3ast, G.Echenique 22+8reb+2ast, S.Yamamoto 14+1reb+1ast, J.McLean 14+5reb+7ast, M.Lightfoot 12+8reb, A.Yamada 6+2reb+1ast

Bambitious N. - Kobe S. 58-107

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 5th ranked Bambitious (24-33) was smashed by sixth ranked Storks (24-33) in Nara 107-58 on Saturday. Kobe S. dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Bambitious N.' 26. They outrebounded Bambitious 46-21 including a 35-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. Kobe S. looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists comparing to just 18 passes made by Bambitious' players. Guard Sena Kawashima (187-2000) nailed 23 points and 6 assists (perfect behind the arc making all five shots) for the winning side and American guard Chaundee Brown Jr (195-1998, college: Michigan) accounted for 11 points and 9 rebounds. Five Storks players scored in double figures. American center Stephen Zimmerman (211-1996, college: UNLV, agency: Slash Sports) came up with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Bambitious in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kobe S. moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Bambitious. Bambitious lost their fourth game in a row. Kobe S. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Bambitious will play against Kobe S. (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bambitious N.: S.Hines 13+6reb+2ast, S.Zimmerman 11+7reb+4ast, E.Hayashi 10+4reb, M.Komaki 8+1reb, O.Idemudia 7+1reb, J.Honda 5+1reb+1ast
Kobe S.: S.Kawashima 23+3reb+6ast, N.Dohara 14+2reb+5ast, P.Kalonji 14+5reb+1ast, I.Butts 13+4reb+4ast, C.Brown Jr. 11+9reb+3ast, R.Nomizo 8+3reb+2ast

Shinshu BW - Aomori W. 80-65

Rather predictable result when second ranked Brave Warriors (36-20) won against 6th ranked Watts (20-37) in Nagano 80-65 on Saturday. Shinshu made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Shinshu made 10 blocks. American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) nailed a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import center Wayne Marshall (211-1986, college: Temple) accounted for 27 points and 7 rebounds. American Rashard Kelly (203-1995, college: Wichita St.) came up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and Czech Patrik Auda (206-1989, college: Seton Hall, agency: Octagon Europe) added 16 points respectively for Aomori W. in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Brave Warriors. Shinshu maintains second place with 36-20 record having seven points less than leader Chiba. Aomori W. lost their third game in a row. They keep the sixth position with 37 games lost. 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 20+10reb+3ast, P.Auda 16+4reb+1ast, M.Hisatake 7+8reb+1ast, M.Hall 5+4reb+2ast, N.Kamizato 5+2reb+6ast, S.Tokairin 5+4reb+1ast
Shinshu BW: W.Marshall 27+7reb+2ast, P.Buford 23+12reb+3ast, K.Ishikawa 13+2reb+9ast, T.Kano 4+2reb, L.Kurihara 3+1reb+2ast, A.Chambers 3+2reb

Yamagata - Fukui B. 82-87

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 5th ranked Wyverns' (21-36) home loss to fourth ranked Blowinds (31-26) in Yamagata 82-87 on Saturday. Fukui B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke, agency: Slash Sports) nailed 15 points and 7 assists for the winning side and Keigo Kimura (188-2000, college: St.Joseph, CT, agency: Schafer Sports) accounted for 19 points. American James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) came up with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds and the other American import TJ Holyfield (203-1995, college: Texas Tech) added 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Yamagata in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Newly promoted Fukui B. maintains fourth place with 31-26 record. Loser Wyverns keeps the fifth position with 36 games lost. Fukui B. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Yamagata will play against Fukui B. (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yamagata: J.Bell 23+12reb+3ast, T.Holyfield 16+8reb+5ast, R.Adams 9+5reb, T.Shirato 8+3reb+3ast, R.Abe 7+1reb+3ast, L.Demetrio 7+4reb+1ast
Fukui B.: M.Hosoya 19+1reb+2ast, K.Kimura 19+3reb+1ast, R.Kelly 15+3reb+7ast, Y.Nishino 10+4reb, P.Ellis 8+6reb+1ast, S.Tawatari 8+1reb+1ast