B2 League Round 8 (Regular Season): Fukuoka R. edges Shinshu by three points

It's still too early stage of the Regular Season in B2 League, but even now we can clearly see the difference between stronger teams and outsiders. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 8 in the B2 League took place in Fukuoka. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of their close opponent Brave Warriors (6-3) to third ranked Rizing (6-3) 60-57 in the game for the second place. The best player for the winners was Spanish Pablo Aguilar (204-1989, agency: Octagon Europe) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds. American forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) chipped in 14 points and 13 rebounds. American Mike Daum (206-1995, college: S.Dakota St.) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 14 rebounds for the guests. Brave Warriors' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Rizing have an impressive five-game winning streak. Fukuoka R. moved-up to second place, which they share with Shinshu and Fukui B. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Blowinds (6-3) against sixth ranked Excellence (3-5) on Saturday night. Host Blowinds were defeated by Excellence in Fukui 93-80. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Blowinds. The game was dominated by American players. Guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists. Elyjah Williams contributed with 18 points and 4 assists for the winners. Forward Perry Ellis (203-1993, college: Kansas) replied with 15 points and 7 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for Fukui B.Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Yokohama moved-up to fifth place. Fukui B. at the other side keeps the second position with three games lost. They share it with Fukuoka R. and Shinshu. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Matsuyama. Second ranked Orange Vikings faced 4th ranked Nara. Host Orange Vikings (7-2) defeated guests from Nara (4-5) 87-70. The game was also dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of Shaquille Hines who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 7 rebounds. Orange Vikings' coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Jordan Dallas responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Orange Vikings have a solid four-game winning streak. Ehime maintains second position with 7-2 record behind leader Fukushima. Loser Nara keep the fourth place with five games lost. They share the position with Iwate. Ehime will meet at home Bambitious (#5) in the next round. Bambitious will have a break next round.

Rest of the games of round 8 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Yokohama was defeated by Fukui B. in a road game 83-77. Kobe S. smashed Kumamoto V. at home 87-67. Shinshu lost to Fukuoka R. on the opponent's court 75-84. Iwate managed to outperform Shizuoka in a home game 81-67. Aomori W. recorded a loss to Kagoshima on the road 74-60. Yamagata was defeated by Fukushima on its own court 74-90.
The best stats of 8th round was 20 points and 9 rebounds by Noah Waterman of Yamagata.



Fukui B. - Yokohama EX 83-77

There was no surprise in Fukui where 6th ranked Excellence (3-5) was defeated by second ranked Blowinds (6-3) 83-77 on Friday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Fukui B. made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke, agency: Slash Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds and Lithuanian forward Rapolas Ivanauskas (208-1998, college: Cincinnati) who added 12 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Four Blowinds players scored in double figures. American guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) responded with 24 points and 5 assists and his fellow American import forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) scored 9 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Blowinds have an impressive six-game winning streak. Fukui B. maintains second position with 6-3 record having just two points less than leader Fukushima, which they share with Fukuoka R. and Shinshu. Yokohama lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth place with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Yokohama EX: T.Boyd III 24+3reb+5ast, B.Lawson 11+9reb+1ast, J.Uera 9+5reb+2ast, E.Williams 9+14reb+7ast, N.Io 7+1reb, K.Hironao 5+1ast
Fukui B.: R.Kelly 20+14reb+2ast, H.Masashi 17+2reb+3ast, P.Ellis 15+4reb+2ast, R.Ivanauskas 12+10reb+2ast, F.Naoyuki 6+1reb+7ast, T.Marcus 6+3reb+1ast

Fukuoka R. - Shinshu BW 60-57

The most exciting game of round 8 in the B2 League took place in Fukuoka. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of their close opponent Brave Warriors (6-3) to third ranked Rizing (6-3) 60-57 in the game for the second place. The best player for the winners was Spanish Pablo Aguilar (204-1989, agency: Octagon Europe) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds. American forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds. American Mike Daum (206-1995, college: S.Dakota St.) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 14 rebounds and his fellow American import center Wayne Marshall (211-1986, college: Temple) added 11 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Brave Warriors' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Rizing have an impressive five-game winning streak. Fukuoka R. moved-up to second place, which they share with Shinshu and Fukui B. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: M.Daum 12+14reb+1ast, W.Marshall 11+8reb+4ast, A.Chambers 11+3reb, E.Kojima-Donley 9+3reb, T.Susumu 5+5reb+1ast, S.Ikuhara 4+2reb+2ast
Fukuoka R.: P.Aguilar 20+13reb+1ast, J.Burrell 14+13reb+2ast, S.Sun 8+1reb, R.Aoki 8+4reb+1ast, D.Reed 8+3reb+2ast, A.Keisuke 2+3reb+5ast

Kobe S. - Kumamoto V. 87-67

No shocking result in a game in Hyogo where first ranked Storks (8-1) smashed 6th ranked Volters (1-8) 87-67 on Saturday. Kobe S. made 20-of-21 free shots (95.2 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American Rawle Alkins (197-1997, college: Arizona) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 7 rebounds and who added 15 points and 5 assists during the contest. American forward Mitch Lightfoot (203-1997, college: Kansas, agency: Slash Sports) responded with 16 points and 8 rebounds and guard Kaito Ishikawa (170-1990) scored 10 points and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Storks have a solid four-game winning streak. Kobe S. maintains first position with 8-1 record, which they share with Fukushima. Kumamoto V. lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Shizuoka. Kobe S. will meet at home Kumamoto V. (#6) in the next round where they are favorite. Kumamoto V. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: M.Lightfoot 16+8reb+2ast, Y.Atomu 13+1reb, H.Isono 11+2reb+1ast, K.Ishikawa 10+2reb+4ast, L.Mbodj 6+7reb+2ast, Y.Shota 4+2reb
Kobe S.: R.Alkins 22+7reb+3ast, D.Noriaki 19+2reb, T.Shuto 15+2reb+5ast, Y.Childs 13+7reb+2ast, I.Butts 7+11reb, S.Reiju 4+1reb+2ast

Fukui B. - Yokohama EX 80-93

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Blowinds (6-3) against sixth ranked Excellence (3-5) on Saturday night. Host Blowinds were defeated by Excellence in Fukui 93-80. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Blowinds. Yokohama forced 21 Fukui B. turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists. The game was dominated by American players. Guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists. Forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) contributed with 18 points and 4 assists for the winners. Forward Perry Ellis (203-1993, college: Kansas) replied with 15 points and 7 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) and forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) added 17 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Fukui B.Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Yokohama moved-up to fifth place. Fukui B. at the other side keeps the second position with three games lost. They share it with Fukuoka R. and Shinshu. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Fukui B.: N.You 17+5reb, P.Ellis 15+7reb+2ast, R.Kelly 12+9reb+1ast, R.Ivanauskas 12+3reb+1ast, H.Masashi 8+3reb+3ast, F.Naoyuki 6+2reb+8ast
Yokohama EX: N.Io 21+1reb+1ast, T.Boyd III 21+5reb+9ast, E.Williams 18+3reb+4ast, J.Uera 11+2reb+6ast, B.Lawson 9+9reb, S.Yusuke 5+1reb

Ehime OV - Bambitious N. 87-70

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Matsuyama. Second ranked Orange Vikings faced 4th ranked Nara. Host Orange Vikings (7-2) defeated guests from Nara (4-5) 87-70. Ehime dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Nara' 36. Ehime looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The game was also dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 7 rebounds and center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) who added 18 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Four Orange Vikings players scored in double figures. Orange Vikings' coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Power forward Jordan Dallas (208-1997, college: Seattle, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and center Nigel Spikes (208-1989, college: Marshall) scored 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Orange Vikings have a solid four-game winning streak. Ehime maintains second position with 7-2 record behind leader Fukushima. Loser Nara keep the fourth place with five games lost. They share the position with Iwate. Ehime will meet at home Bambitious (#5) in the next round. Bambitious will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Bambitious N.: J.Dallas 15+7reb+3ast, K.Masaya 14+3reb, N.Spikes 12+9reb+4ast, S.Ishii 9+1reb+1ast, S.Mayama 7+3reb, H.Jumpei 5+2reb+1ast
Ehime OV: S.Hines 21+7reb+3ast, M.Watt 18+9reb+2ast, M.Haarms 18+4reb+1ast, E.Hayashi 12+1reb+2ast, M.Parker 6+5reb+1ast, Y.Toshino 3

Fukuoka R. - Shinshu BW 84-75

There was a minor upset in Fukuoka where their close opponent Brave Warriors (6-3) were defeated by third ranked Rizing (6-3) 84-75 on Saturday. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized American point guard Ryuji Aoki (178-1998, college: Rose-Hulman) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 4 assists and American forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) who added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. Four Rizing players scored in double figures. American Mike Daum (206-1995, college: S.Dakota St.) responded with 28 points and 7 rebounds and his fellow American import center Wayne Marshall (211-1986, college: Temple) scored 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Rizing have an impressive five-game winning streak. Fukuoka R. moved-up to second place, which they share with Shinshu and Fukui B. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: M.Daum 28+7reb+3ast, T.Daiki 15+2reb+1ast, W.Marshall 12+7reb+5ast, E.Kojima-Donley 8+2reb+2ast, T.Susumu 4+8reb+3ast, S.Ikuhara 3
Fukuoka R.: R.Aoki 25+2reb+4ast, D.Reed 17+5reb+1ast, P.Aguilar 14+6reb, J.Burrell 14+9reb+6ast, A.Keisuke 9+3reb+5ast, Y.Karino 3+1reb+1ast

Iwate - Shizuoka 81-67

Rather predictable result in Iwate where fourth ranked Big Bulls (4-5) beat 7th ranked Veltex (1-8) 81-67 on Saturday. Iwate shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 51.9 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording 31 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks and who added 17 points and 6 assists during the contest. German Tim Schneider (208-1997) responded with 17 points and 8 rebounds and Norwegian forward Chris-Ebou Ndow (199-1993, college: NW Missouri St.) scored 10 points and 7 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Iwate maintains fourth position with 4-5 record, which they share with Bambitious. Shizuoka lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Kumamoto V.. Iwate will meet at home Shizuoka (#7) in the next round. Shizuoka will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Shizuoka: T.Schneider 17+8reb, A.Brandt 11+5reb+3ast, C.Ndow 10+4reb+7ast, T.Martel 6+7reb+1ast, H.Naoaki 6+2reb, H.Ryoma 6+3ast
Iwate: M.Clay 31+8reb+5ast, Y.Sogo 17+4reb+6ast, S.Kokoro 8+2ast, M.Tejic 8+4reb+3ast, M.Keijiro 6+4reb, G.Shohei 6+3ast

Kagoshima - Aomori W. 74-60

Not a big story in a game in Renova where 7th ranked Watts (2-7) were defeated by fifth ranked Rebnise (4-4) 74-60 on Saturday. Kagoshima outrebounded Aomori W. 42-31 including 30 on the defensive glass. Kagoshima looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Aomori W.'s players. Worth to mention a great performance of American-British center Josh Sharma (213-1995, college: Stanford) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 8 rebounds and American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) who added 9 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. American center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech, agency: Slash Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists and his fellow American import Rashard Kelly (203-1995, college: Wichita St.) scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Kagoshima moved-up to fourth place. Aomori W. lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with seven games lost. They share it with Yamagata. Kagoshima will meet at home Aomori W. (#7) in the next round. Aomori W. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Aomori W.: M.Hisatake 18+12reb+4ast, R.Kelly 14+8reb+3ast, T.Dalger 6, O.Masahiro 6+4reb+1ast, O.Yuya 6+2reb+1ast, K.Takahiro 3+1reb
Kagoshima: J.Sharma 14+8reb+3ast, T.Tada 14+3ast, P.Auda 12+5reb+1ast, A.Gaines Jr. 9+9reb+1ast, T.Kodama 7+3reb+4ast, F.Hiroshi 6+5reb+1ast

Yamagata - Fukushima 74-90

Everything went according to plan in Yamagata where first ranked Firebonds (8-1) won against 6th ranked Wyverns (2-7) 90-74 on Saturday. Fukushima made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American swingman Kenny Manigault (195-1991, college: Pikeville) who helped to win the game recording 21 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists and who added 16 points and 4 assists during the contest. Four Firebonds players scored in double figures. Firebonds' coach Ryan Marchand used an eleven-player rotation saving starting five for next games. American center Noah Waterman (211-2000, college: Louisville) responded with 20 points and 9 rebounds and his fellow American import James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) scored 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Firebonds have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Fukushima maintains first position with 8-1 record, which they share with Kobe S. Yamagata lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with seven games lost. They share the position with Aomori W.. Fukushima will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Yamagata will play against the league's leader Fukushima (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yamagata: N.Waterman 20+9reb+2ast, J.Bell 17+6reb+4ast, S.Doorson 12+3reb+2ast, R.Abe 9+2reb+1ast, M.Shinya 7+5reb+6ast, L.Jonghyun 4+4reb
Fukushima: K.Manigault 21+5reb+9ast, D.Bamba 16+4reb+4ast, J.Nunge 12+8reb, P.Gardner 12+8reb+1ast, M.Takumi 10+1reb, K.Kohei 9+2reb+1ast