B2 League Round 7 (Regular Season): Ehime defeat Kumamoto V. in the closest game of the week

B2 League Regular Season is still in too early stage and there may be still significant changes in the standings. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 7 in the B2 League took place in Kumamoto. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 6th ranked Volters (1-6) to second ranked Orange Vikings (5-2) 99-96 on Sunday evening. Ehime made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. 27 personal fouls committed by Kumamoto V. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for American center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. His fellow American import Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) helped adding 24 points. At the losing side American forward Mitch Lightfoot (203-1997, college: Kansas, agency: Slash Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 29 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists (on 12-of-14 shooting from the field). Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Ehime maintains second place with 5-2 record behind leader Fukushima, which they share with Fukui B. Kumamoto V. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with six games lost. They share it with Shizuoka. Ehime is looking forward to face Bambitious (#3) in Nara in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kumamoto V. will play on the road against the league's leader Kobe S. in Hyogo and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Important game to mention about took place in Iwate. Fourth ranked Rizing (4-3) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 6th ranked Big Bulls (2-5) 75-73 on Sunday evening. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) who led the winners and scored 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Keisuke Aita accounted for 20 points and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). American center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) came up with 24 points for Iwate in the defeat. Big Bulls' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Rizing have a solid series of three victories in a row. Fukuoka R. moved-up to third place, which they share with Bambitious. Iwate at the other side dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. They share it with Aomori W. and Yamagata. Fukuoka R. will play against league's second-placed Shinshu in Nagano in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Iwate will play at home against Shizuoka and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Nagano. Second ranked host Brave Warriors (6-1) defeated 4th placed Excellence (2-4) 86-71. Mike Daum fired 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Tray Boyd III produced 24 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shinshu keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Kobe S. and Fukushima. Yokohama lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with four games lost. They share the position with Kagoshima. Shinshu will meet Fukuoka R. (#4) on the road in the next round. Yokohama will play against Fukui B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 7: Kagoshima lost to Fukushima on the opponent's court 87-105. Bambitious managed to outperform Yamagata in a home game 86-81. Fukui B. managed to beat Aomori W. on the road 111-101. Shizuoka was defeated by Kobe S. on its own court 73-82.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 21 points and 7 rebounds by Yoeli Childs of Kobe S..



Fukushima - Kagoshima 105-87

Very expected game in Fukushima where 5th ranked Rebnise (2-4) was defeated by first ranked Firebonds (6-1) 105-87 on Sunday. Fukushima made 25-of-28 free shots (89.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. American power forward Jack Nunge (213-1999, college: Xavier) fired 30 points and 7 rebounds (made all of his ten free throws !!!) for the winners. Egyptian-American center Patrick Gardner (211-1999, college: Marist) chipped in 17 points and 8 rebounds. American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) produced 26 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and point guard Takayuki Kodama (166-1992) added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Firebonds have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Fukushima maintains first place with 6-1 record, which they share with Shinshu and Kobe S. Loser Rebnise dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with Yokohama. Fukushima will meet Yamagata (#5) on the road in the next round. Kagoshima will play against Aomori W. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kagoshima: A.Gaines Jr. 26+6reb+4ast, P.Auda 14+3reb, T.Kodama 14+5reb+6ast, J.Sharma 14+6reb+1ast, T.Tada 10+1reb, Y.Ametani 5+1reb+1ast
Fukushima: J.Nunge 30+7reb+2ast, P.Gardner 17+8reb+3ast, K.Manigault 15+6reb+5ast, N.Tsukasa 14+2reb+2ast, K.Kohei 7+1reb+3ast, Y.Java 6+3reb+2ast

Iwate - Fukuoka R. 73-75

Important game to mention about took place in Iwate. Fourth ranked Rizing (4-3) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 6th ranked Big Bulls (2-5) 75-73 on Sunday evening. Fukuoka R. shot the lights out from three nailing 15 long-distance shots on high 60.0 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) who led the winners and scored 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. accounted for 20 points and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winning side. American center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) came up with 24 points and his fellow the other American import import Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) added 16 points respectively for Iwate in the defeat. Big Bulls' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Rizing have a solid series of three victories in a row. Fukuoka R. moved-up to third place, which they share with Bambitious. Iwate at the other side dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. They share it with Aomori W. and Yamagata. Fukuoka R. will play against league's second-placed Shinshu in Nagano in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Iwate will play at home against Shizuoka and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Iwate: M.Clay 24+3reb+3ast, S.Kokoro 16+2reb+3ast, Y.Sogo 13+5ast, M.Keijiro 9+1reb+2ast, M.Tejic 6+6reb+2ast, N.Gurley 5+8reb+1ast
Fukuoka R.: A.Keisuke 20+4ast, J.Burrell 14+9reb+4ast, Y.Karino 11+3ast, R.Aoki 9+3reb+2ast, P.Aguilar 9+6reb+3ast, K.Toshikazu 5+2reb

Kumamoto V. - Ehime OV 96-99

The most exciting game of round 7 in the B2 League took place in Kumamoto. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of 6th ranked Volters (1-6) to second ranked Orange Vikings (5-2) 99-96 on Sunday evening. Ehime made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. 27 personal fouls committed by Kumamoto V. helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a great evening for American center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. His fellow American import Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) helped adding 24 points. Four Orange Vikings players scored in double figures. At the losing side American forward Mitch Lightfoot (203-1997, college: Kansas, agency: Slash Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 29 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists (on 12-of-14 shooting from the field) and scored 27 points and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Ehime maintains second place with 5-2 record behind leader Fukushima, which they share with Fukui B. Kumamoto V. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with six games lost. They share it with Shizuoka. Ehime is looking forward to face Bambitious (#3) in Nara in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kumamoto V. will play on the road against the league's leader Kobe S. in Hyogo and is hoping to prove to their supporters that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: M.Lightfoot 29+13reb+5ast, Y.Shota 27+4reb+4ast, R.Nagashima 10+1reb+3ast, H.Isono 9+3reb+3ast, G.Echenique 9+7reb+2ast, N.Djurisic 9+2reb+1ast
Ehime OV: S.Hines 24+2reb+2ast, E.Hayashi 19+1reb+1ast, M.Parker 15+5reb+1ast, M.Watt 13+11reb+9ast, Y.Toshino 10+1ast, T.Furuno 6+1reb+3ast

Bambitious N. - Yamagata 86-81

Rather predictable result when third ranked Nara (4-3) defeated at home 5th ranked Wyverns (2-5) 86-81 on Sunday. American forward Jaemyn Brakefield (203-2000, college: Ole Miss) fired 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. chipped in 16 points and 7 assists. Nara's coach Haruyuki Ishibashi used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American center Noah Waterman (211-2000, college: Louisville) produced 24 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) added 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Nara have a solid series of three victories in a row. Bambitious maintains third place with 4-3 record having just two points less than leader Fukushima, which they share with Fukuoka R. Loser Wyverns keeps the fifth position with five games lost. They share it with Iwate and Aomori W.. Bambitious will meet league's second-placed Ehime in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Yamagata will play against the league's leader Fukushima and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yamagata: N.Waterman 24+7reb+1ast, J.Bell 19+7reb+5ast, R.Abe 11+5reb+2ast, S.Doorson 10+5reb+2ast, N.Shuki 7+3reb+2ast, Y.Kentaro 6+1reb
Bambitious N.: J.Brakefield 21+8reb+4ast, S.Tatsuya 20+3reb+2ast, K.Ryota 16+2reb+7ast, K.Masaya 10+1ast, J.Dallas 7+3reb+1ast, N.Spikes 6+11reb+3ast

Shinshu BW - Yokohama EX 86-71

The game between Top Four teams took place in Nagano. Second ranked host Brave Warriors (6-1) defeated 4th placed Excellence (2-4) 86-71. Shinshu outrebounded Yokohama 43-29 including 31 on the defensive glass. Shinshu looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American Mike Daum (206-1995, college: S.Dakota St.) fired 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. chipped in 17 points and 5 assists. Four Brave Warriors players scored in double figures. American guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) produced 24 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) added 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shinshu keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Kobe S. and Fukushima. Yokohama lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with four games lost. They share the position with Kagoshima. Shinshu will meet Fukuoka R. (#4) on the road in the next round. Yokohama will play against Fukui B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yokohama EX: T.Boyd III 24+5reb+2ast, E.Williams 14+6reb+5ast, N.Io 11+1reb+2ast, B.Lawson 6+7reb, S.Yusuke 6+2reb, O.Hirotaka 3
Shinshu BW: M.Daum 25+8reb+4ast, T.Daiki 17+3reb+5ast, T.Susumu 16+5reb+4ast, A.Chambers 16+6reb+2ast, A.Chol 5+5reb+1ast, S.Ikuhara 5+1reb+3ast

Aomori W. - Fukui B. 101-111

Not a big story in a game in Aomori where 7th ranked Watts (2-5) were defeated by third ranked Blowinds (5-2) 111-101 on Sunday. Fukui B. dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Watts's 42. Fukui B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Lithuanian forward Rapolas Ivanauskas (208-1998, college: Cincinnati) fired 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. chipped in 21 points. American Rashard Kelly (203-1995, college: Wichita St.) produced 22 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists and the other American import center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech, agency: Slash Sports) added 13 points and 13 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Fukui B. and five Aomori W. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Blowinds have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Fukui B. moved-up to second place, which they share with Ehime. Aomori W. lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. They share it with Iwate and Yamagata. Fukui B. will meet at home Yokohama (#4) in the next round. Aomori W. will play against Kagoshima in Renova and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Aomori W.: R.Kelly 22+7reb+8ast, T.Dalger 21+4reb+3ast, T.Kyonosuke 15+4reb+3ast, M.Hisatake 13+13reb+3ast, W.Wang 10+5reb+1ast, K.Takahiro 9+1reb+1ast
Fukui B.: K.Sena 21+3reb+2ast, R.Ivanauskas 16+9reb+2ast, P.Ellis 14+4reb+1ast, R.Kelly 13+5reb+4ast, H.Masashi 11+1ast, M.Damilola 10+5reb+5ast

Shizuoka - Kobe S. 73-82

Everything went according to plan in Shizuoka where first ranked Storks (6-1) beat 7th ranked Veltex (1-6) 82-73 on Sunday. Kobe S. made 22-of-24 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game. American Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) fired 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. chipped in 16 points and 7 assists (made all of his eight free throws). Four Storks players scored in double figures. Norwegian forward Chris-Ebou Ndow (199-1993, college: NW Missouri St.) produced 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) added 11 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Kobe S. maintains first place with 6-1 record, which they share with Shinshu and Fukushima. Shizuoka lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with six games lost. They share it with Kumamoto V.. Kobe S. will meet at home Kumamoto V. (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Shizuoka will play against Iwate and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shizuoka: C.Ndow 17+7reb+4ast, S.Takumi 17+4reb+3ast, A.Brandt 11+10reb+4ast, K.Masuda 6+6reb+2ast, T.Schneider 5+3reb, T.Martel 4+2reb
Kobe S.: Y.Childs 21+7reb+2ast, T.Shuto 16+1reb+7ast, K.Keigo 14+4reb+1ast, R.Alkins 11+3reb+6ast, H.Alen 6+2reb, I.Butts 5+11reb+2ast