B2 League Round 20 of Regular Season

What a coincidence that all visitors won their games. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most interesting game of round 20 in the B2 League was a home defeat of 6th ranked Bambitious (7-13) to fifth ranked Iwate (8-12) 76-67 in the game for the fifth place. Big Bulls made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 6 assists and American forward Noah Gurley (203-1999, college: Alabama) who added 12 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Swingman Takuya Soma (182-1991) responded with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Iwate maintains fifth position with 8-12 record, which they share with Kumamoto V. Bambitious lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 13 games lost. Iwate will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Bambitious will play at home against Iwate (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Seventh-ranked Watts (3-17) gave a tough game to fifth ranked Volters (8-12) in Aomori. The visitors from Kumamoto managed to secure only one-point victory 74-73. However their fans expected easier game. The winners were led by American forward Mitch Lightfoot (203-1997, college: Kansas, agency: Slash Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and Shota Yamamoto supported him with 14 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Even a double-double of 27 points and 13 rebounds by American Rashard Kelly (203-1995, college: Wichita St.) did not help to save the game for Aomori W.. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Volters have a solid three-game winning streak. Kumamoto V. maintains fifth position with 8-12 record, which they share with Iwate. Aomori W. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 17 games lost. They share the position with Shizuoka. Kumamoto V. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Aomori W. will play at home against Kumamoto V. (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Fukuoka. 4th ranked host Rizing (9-12) lost to first ranked Storks (19-2) 88-71. The best player for the winners was Yoeli Childs who scored 23 points and 8 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Pablo Aguilar produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Kobe S. maintains first position with 19-2 record. Fukuoka R. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 20: Shinshu won against Ehime on the opponent's court 86-81. Fukuoka R. was outscored by Kobe S. in a home game 49-86. Fukui B. managed to beat Kagoshima on the road 96-86. Yamagata was crushed by Fukushima on its own court 63-96. Yokohama beat Shizuoka in a road game 73-68.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 32 points and 6 rebounds by Tray Boyd III of Yokohama EX.



Fukuoka R. - Kobe S. 71-88

The game between Top Four teams took place in Fukuoka. 4th ranked host Rizing (9-12) lost to first ranked Storks (19-2) 88-71. The best player for the winners was American Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) who scored 23 points and 8 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). The other American import center Isaac Butts (208-1989, college: App State) chipped in 6 points and 17 rebounds. Spanish Pablo Aguilar (204-1989, agency: Octagon Europe) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds and American forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) added 14 points respectively for the hosts. Five Fukuoka R. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Kobe S. maintains first position with 19-2 record. Fukuoka R. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: P.Aguilar 16+12reb, J.Burrell 14+2reb+3ast, R.Aoki 14+3reb, D.Reed 12+4reb+2ast, M.Shunto 10+2ast, S.Sun 2+4reb+2ast
Kobe S.: C.Yoeli 23+8reb+1ast, S.Terazono 16+6ast, K.Kimura 8, A.Hachimura 8, R.Sasakura 8+1reb+2ast, R.Kaneda 6+4reb

Aomori W. - Kumamoto V. 73-74

Seventh-ranked Watts (3-17) gave a tough game to fifth ranked Volters (8-12) in Aomori. The visitors from Kumamoto managed to secure only one-point victory 74-73. However their fans expected easier game. The winners were led by American forward Mitch Lightfoot (203-1997, college: Kansas, agency: Slash Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and Shota Yamamoto supported him with 14 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Even a double-double of 27 points and 13 rebounds by American Rashard Kelly (203-1995, college: Wichita St.) did not help to save the game for Aomori W.. His fellow American import center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech, agency: Slash Sports) added 12 points and 9 rebounds for the hosts. Four Aomori W. players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Volters have a solid three-game winning streak. Kumamoto V. maintains fifth position with 8-12 record, which they share with Iwate. Aomori W. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 17 games lost. They share the position with Shizuoka. Kumamoto V. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Aomori W. will play at home against Kumamoto V. (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Aomori W.: R.Kelly 27+13reb+3ast, O.Masahiro 14+2reb+4ast, T.Kyonosuke 12+2ast, M.Hisatake 12+9reb+1ast, W.Wang 4+3reb+5ast, A.Shugo 2+1reb+1ast
Kumamoto V.: L.Mitch 20+10reb, S.Yamamoto 14+4reb+1ast, D.Nemanja 7+2reb+3ast, A.Yamada 7+2ast, I.Hiroaki 7+3reb+2ast, M.Lamine 6+5reb+1ast

Ehime OV - Shinshu BW 81-86

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Matsuyama where second-ranked Orange Vikings (13-7) were defeated by third ranked Brave Warriors (13-7) 86-81 on Saturday. Shinshu made 17-of-18 free shots (94.4 percent) during the game. Shinshu outrebounded Ehime 40-28 including 30 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was American Mike Daum (206-1995, college: S.Dakota St.) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. Daiki Tsuchiya chipped in 24 points and 6 assists. American center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) produced 24 points and 9 rebounds and naturalized American forward Michael Parker (200-1981, college: Evergreen St.) added 16 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively for the hosts. Four Shinshu and five Ehime players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Brave Warriors have a solid four-game winning streak. Shinshu moved-up to second place, which they share with Ehime and Fukui B. Ehime lost fifth consecutive game. Shinshu will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ehime will play against Shinshu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: M.Watt 24+9reb+2ast, M.Parker 16+4reb+2ast, M.Haarms 12+5reb, S.Hines 10+4reb+4ast, T.Furuno 10+2reb+9ast, E.Hayashi 7+1reb+1ast
Shinshu BW: D.Tsuchiya 24+6ast, D.Mike 20+14reb+4ast, K.Eliet 15+5reb+1ast, S.Tokairin 10+4reb, W.Hugh 6+6reb+1ast, M.Wayne 4+3reb

Fukuoka R. - Kobe S. 49-86

Rather predictable result in Fukuoka where first ranked Storks (19-2) smashed 4th ranked Rizing (9-12) 86-49 on Saturday. Kobe S. dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Rizing's 26. Kobe S. outrebounded Fukuoka R. 52-23 including a 35-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds. The other American import Rawle Alkins (197-1997, college: Arizona) chipped in 23 points and 6 rebounds. American forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) produced 19 points and 5 rebounds and Spanish Pablo Aguilar (204-1989, agency: Octagon Europe) added 6 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. 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. maintains first position with 19-2 record. Fukuoka R. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with 12 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: J.Burrell 19+5reb, N.Takanobu 8+4reb+1ast, D.Reed 8+3reb+1ast, M.Shunto 6+4ast, P.Aguilar 6+7reb+3ast, K.Toshikazu 2+1reb
Kobe S.: A.Rawle 23+6reb+3ast, C.Yoeli 19+12reb+2ast, B.Isaac 13+16reb+1ast, R.Kaneda 7+3reb+1ast, R.Nomizo 5+1reb+2ast, N.Dohara 5+1reb+4ast

Kagoshima - Fukui B. 86-96

The game between closely ranked teams ended with one of their biggest challengers Rebnise's (9-10) home loss to second ranked Blowinds (13-7) 86-96 on Saturday. Fukui B. made 22-of-25 free shots (88.0 percent) during the game, while Kagoshima only scored six points from the stripe. The best player for the winners was Masashi Hosoya who scored 25 points and 4 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds. American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) produced 16 points and 6 assists and American-British center Josh Sharma (213-1995, college: Stanford) added 15 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four Kagoshima players scored in double figures. Rebnise's coach rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Blowinds have a solid four-game winning streak. Fukui B. maintains second position with 13-7 record having seven points less than leader Fukushima, which they share with Ehime and Shinshu. Kagoshima at the other side keeps the third place with ten games lost. Fukui B. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kagoshima will play against the league's second-placed Fukui B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kagoshima: A.Gaines Jr. 16+3reb+6ast, J.Sharma 15+6reb+1ast, P.Auda 11+4reb, Z.Endo 10, T.Kodama 10, F.Kota 10+2reb+8ast
Fukui B.: M.Hosoya 25+1reb+4ast, E.Perry 20+2reb+3ast, K.Ryan 17+5reb+3ast, D.Mosaku 8+5reb+5ast, Y.Nishino 8+5reb, S.Kawashima 7+1reb+2ast

Yamagata - Fukushima 63-96

Everything went according to plan in Yamagata where first ranked Firebonds (19-1) outscored 6th ranked Wyverns (5-15) 96-63 on Saturday. Fukushima outrebounded Yamagata 40-29 including 34 on the defensive glass. Fukushima looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists comparing to just 17 passes made by Yamagata's players. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was power forward Jack Nunge (213-1999, college: Xavier) who had a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 rebounds. Swingman Kenny Manigault (195-1991, college: Pikeville) chipped in 5 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. Four Firebonds players scored in double figures. Center Noah Waterman (211-2000, college: Louisville) produced 16 points and 5 rebounds and Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke, agency: Slash Sports) added 9 points and 7 assists respectively for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Firebonds have an impressive 18-game winning streak. Fukushima maintains first position with 19-1 record. Yamagata at the other side keeps the sixth place with 15 games lost. 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 16+5reb+1ast, R.Abe 10+1reb, M.Shinya 9+2reb+7ast, S.Doorson 8+1reb+2ast, J.Bell 6+6reb+4ast, S.Takumi 5+5reb
Fukushima: N.Jack 26+10reb+1ast, B.Diouf 12+5reb+3ast, Y.Okubo 12+1reb+4ast, G.Patrick 12+7reb, K.Shinkawa 9, K.Kasai 5+3reb+8ast

Bambitious N. - Iwate 67-76

The most interesting game of round 20 in the B2 League was a home defeat of 6th ranked Bambitious (7-13) to fifth ranked Iwate (8-12) 76-67 in the game for the fifth place. Big Bulls made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of Sogo Yamagiwa who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 6 assists and American forward Noah Gurley (203-1999, college: Alabama) who added 12 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Swingman Takuya Soma (182-1991) responded with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and American forward Jaemyn Brakefield (203-2000, college: Ole Miss) scored 11 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Iwate maintains fifth position with 8-12 record, which they share with Kumamoto V. Bambitious lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 13 games lost. Iwate will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Bambitious will play at home against Iwate (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bambitious N.: T.Soma 16+5reb+4ast, J.Brakefield 11+9reb+5ast, H.Jumpei 9+1reb, V.Petrov 9+3reb+1ast, N.Erimu 6+3ast, K.Masaya 5
Iwate: S.Yamagiwa 26+4reb+6ast, G.Noah 12+6reb, H.Jaycee 7+6reb+1ast, K.Monma 7+3reb, H.Usui 7+1reb, C.Mounce 6+3reb+4ast

Shizuoka - Yokohama EX 68-73

There was no surprise in Shizuoka where 7th ranked Veltex (3-17) was defeated by fourth ranked Excellence (11-8) 73-68 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was American guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) who scored 32 points and 6 rebounds. British forward Benjamin Lawson (216-1995, college: WKU) chipped in 6 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. German Tim Schneider (208-1997) produced 9 points and 12 rebounds and Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) added 10 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the hosts. Four Shizuoka players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Yokohama maintains fourth position with 11-8 record. Shizuoka lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 17 games lost. They share the position with Aomori W.. Yokohama will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Shizuoka will play against Yokohama (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shizuoka: N.Ryusei 16+4ast, K.Teppei 13+1reb+4ast, S.Takumi 10+2reb, A.Brandt 10+10reb+4ast, T.Schneider 9+12reb+3ast, T.Martel 2+4reb
Yokohama EX: B.Tray 32+6reb+1ast, W.Elyjah 12+4reb+2ast, L.Benjamin 6+8reb+6ast, T.Nishiyama 6, M.Zack 5+3reb, S.Coulibaly 4+1reb