B2 League Round 26 (Regular Season): #1 Fukushima is defeated by Kagoshima

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Firebonds (22-4) in Renova on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by third ranked Rebnise (12-13) 118-113. Kagoshima outrebounded Fukushima 43-31 including 16 on the offensive glass. American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) had a double-double by scoring 31 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and point guard Takayuki Kodama (166-1992) chipped in 23 points during the contest. American swingman Kenny Manigault (195-1991, college: Pikeville) responded with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Kagoshima maintains third position with 12-13 record having thirteen points less than leader Fukushima. Fukushima at the other side still keeps top place with four games lost. Kagoshima are looking forward to face Aomori W. (#7) on the road in the next round. Fukushima will play against Iwate (#5) and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Shizuoka. Seventh ranked Veltex (5-21) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 5th ranked Big Bulls (8-18) 77-75 on Sunday evening. Norwegian forward Chris-Ebou Ndow (199-1993, college: NW Missouri St.) notched 17 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and Angus Brandt supported him with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 27 points and 8 rebounds by American forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman, agency: Slash Sports) did not help to save the game for Iwate. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Shizuoka maintains seventh position with 5-21 record. Iwate lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 18 games lost. Shizuoka will play against higher ranked Fukuoka R. (#5) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Iwate will play against the league's leader Fukushima and will have a slim chance for a victory.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Kumamoto. 4th ranked host Volters (11-15) lost to first ranked Storks (24-2) 89-83. The best player for the winners was Shuto Terazono who scored 33 points (!!!) and 5 assists. Kaito Ishikawa produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 assists for the hosts. Volters' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Storks have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Kobe S. maintains first position with 24-2 record. Loser Volters keeps the fourth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Fukuoka R.. Kobe S. will meet at home Bambitious (#6) in the next round where they are favorite. Kumamoto V. will play against the league's second-placed Shinshu in Nagano and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 26: Fukuoka R. won against Aomori W. on the opponent's court 79-65. Ehime managed to outperform Fukui B. in a home game 93-76. Shinshu managed to beat Bambitious on the road 79-70. Yokohama defeated Yamagata on its own court 90-81. Yamagata was beaten by Yokohama in a road game 89-82.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 38 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 10 assists by Tray Boyd III of Yokohama EX.



Kagoshima - Fukushima 118-113

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Firebonds (22-4) in Renova on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by third ranked Rebnise (12-13) 118-113. Kagoshima outrebounded Fukushima 43-31 including 16 on the offensive glass. American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) had a double-double by scoring 31 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and point guard Takayuki Kodama (166-1992) chipped in 23 points during the contest. American swingman Kenny Manigault (195-1991, college: Pikeville) responded with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and Egyptian-American center Patrick Gardner (211-1999, college: Marist) scored 27 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Four Kagoshima and five Fukushima players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Kagoshima maintains third position with 12-13 record having thirteen points less than leader Fukushima. Fukushima at the other side still keeps top place with four games lost. Kagoshima are looking forward to face Aomori W. (#7) on the road in the next round. Fukushima will play against Iwate (#5) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Kagoshima: G.Anthony 31+11reb+4ast, K.Takayuki 23+4reb+2ast, A.Patrik 10+5reb+1ast, S.Josh 10+11reb, E.Zen 8+1ast, K.Taiga 7+3reb
Fukushima: P.Gardner 27+6reb+2ast, K.Manigault 23+8reb+7ast, J.Nunge 22+7reb+2ast, N.Tsukasa 13+1reb+2ast, D.Bamba 10+3reb+2ast, K.Kohei 6+1reb+3ast

Kumamoto V. - Kobe S. 83-89

The game between Top Four teams took place in Kumamoto. 4th ranked host Volters (11-15) lost to first ranked Storks (24-2) 89-83. Kobe S. made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was Shuto Terazono who scored 33 points (!!!) and 5 assists. American Rawle Alkins (197-1997, college: Arizona) chipped in 21 points. Guard Kaito Ishikawa (170-1990) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 assists and American forward Mitch Lightfoot (203-1997, college: Kansas, agency: Slash Sports) added 15 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four Kumamoto V. players scored in double figures. Volters' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Storks have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Kobe S. maintains first position with 24-2 record. Loser Volters keeps the fourth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Fukuoka R.. Kobe S. will meet at home Bambitious (#6) in the next round where they are favorite. Kumamoto V. will play against the league's second-placed Shinshu in Nagano and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kobe S.: S.Terazono 33+1reb+5ast, A.Rawle 21+3reb+1ast, A.Hachimura 10+7reb+2ast, R.Sasakura 9+1reb+2ast, C.Yoeli 8+8reb+4ast, N.Dohara 8+2reb
Kumamoto V.: M.Lightfoot 15+9reb, K.Ishikawa 14+10ast, Y.Shota 13+4reb+1ast, G.Echenique 10+2reb+1ast, N.Djurisic 10+2reb+1ast, Y.Atomu 6+2reb+1ast

Aomori W. - Fukuoka R. 65-79

Rather expected game in Aomori where 7th ranked Watts (4-22) were defeated by fifth ranked Rizing (11-15) 79-65 on Sunday. Fukuoka R. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was Spanish Pablo Aguilar (204-1989, agency: Octagon Europe) who had a double-double by scoring 26 points and 20 rebounds. Puerto Rican-American swingman Davon Reed (198-1995, college: Miami, FL) chipped in 29 points and 9 rebounds. Rizing's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech, agency: Slash Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 19 rebounds and his fellow American import Rashard Kelly (203-1995, college: Wichita St.) added 15 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists respectively for the hosts. Four Aomori W. players scored in double figures. Fukuoka R. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Kumamoto V. Loser Watts keeps the seventh position with 22 games lost. Fukuoka R. will meet at home Shizuoka (#7) in the next round. Aomori W. will play against Kagoshima and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: R.Davon 29+9reb+2ast, A.Pablo 26+20reb+1ast, A.Ryuji 10+1ast, K.Aita 5+2reb+3ast, T.Nishikawa 5+2ast, T.Kato 3+2reb+1ast
Aomori W.: M.Hisatake 17+19reb+3ast, R.Kelly 15+11reb+10ast, T.Kyonosuke 13+4ast, W.Wang 12+5reb, K.Takahiro 6+2ast, O.Masahiro 2+3reb+1ast

Ehime OV - Fukui B. 93-76

Everything could happen in Matsuyama at the game between two tied teams. Both second ranked Orange Vikings and one of their biggest challengers Blowinds had identical 16-9 record. This time Orange Vikings used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Fukui 93-76 on Sunday night. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Ehime dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Blowinds's 32. Ehime had a 29-17 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists. The best player for the winners was American Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) who scored 17 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. The other American import center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 15 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists. American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke, agency: Slash Sports) produced 16 points and 5 rebounds and Puerto Rican-American swingman Davon Reed (198-1995, college: Miami, FL) added 13 points respectively for the guests. Five Ehime and four Fukui B. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Ehime maintains second position with 17-9 record having seven points less than leader Fukushima. Loser Blowinds dropped to the fourth place with ten games lost. Ehime will meet Yamagata (#6) on the road in the next round. Fukui B. will play against Yokohama and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: H.Matt 19+4reb+1ast, H.Shaquille 17+9reb+6ast, W.Mitchell 15+6reb+9ast, P.Michael 13+5reb+3ast, F.Takumi 12+3reb+3ast, R.Takeuchi 7+1ast
Fukui B.: R.Ivanauskas 16+3reb, R.Kelly 16+5reb+2ast, M.Damilola 13+3reb+3ast, N.You 11+2reb+2ast, P.Ellis 8+7reb+1ast, T.Marcus 6+2reb

Bambitious N. - Shinshu BW 70-79

Not a big story in a game when 6th ranked Nara (9-17) was defeated at home by second ranked Brave Warriors (19-7) 79-70 on Sunday. Shinshu outrebounded Bambitious 49-33 including 17 on the offensive glass. Shinshu looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was South Sudanese-American center Angelo Chol (206-1993, college: SDSU) who scored 13 points and 9 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). American center Wayne Marshall (211-1986, college: Temple) chipped in 7 points and 11 rebounds. American forward Jaemyn Brakefield (203-2000, college: Ole Miss, agency: Slash Sports) produced 29 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and Ukrainian center Viacheslav Petrov (204-1994, agency: BIG) added 6 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Brave Warriors have an impressive ten-game winning streak. Shinshu maintains second position with 19-7 record having five points less than leader Fukushima. Bambitious lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 17 games lost. Shinshu will meet at home Kumamoto V. (#4) in the next round. Bambitious will play against the league's leader Kobe S. in Hyogo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: D.Mike 13+2reb+2ast, C.Angelo 13+9reb+1ast, W.Hugh 10+3reb, D.Tsuchiya 10+3reb+6ast, K.Eliet 9+4reb+2ast, C.Aki 9+11reb
Bambitious N.: J.Brakefield 29+8reb+4ast, N.Spikes 11+6reb, K.Masaya 9+1reb, V.Petrov 6+10reb+3ast, N.Erimu 5+1ast, T.Soma 4+3reb+2ast

Shizuoka - Iwate 77-75

Important game to mention about took place in Shizuoka. Seventh ranked Veltex (5-21) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 5th ranked Big Bulls (8-18) 77-75 on Sunday evening. Shizuoka players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Norwegian forward Chris-Ebou Ndow (199-1993, college: NW Missouri St.) notched 17 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) supported him with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 27 points and 8 rebounds by American forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman, agency: Slash Sports) did not help to save the game for Iwate. Serbian power forward Marko Tejic (209-1995) added 17 points and 13 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Shizuoka maintains seventh position with 5-21 record. Iwate lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 18 games lost. Shizuoka will play against higher ranked Fukuoka R. (#5) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Iwate will play against the league's leader Fukushima and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Shizuoka: N.Chris-Ebou 17+6reb+2ast, M.Keisuke 13+1reb+1ast, T.Simon 13+3reb+3ast, B.Angus 8+7reb+5ast, T.Kashiwagura 7+1reb+6ast, H.Shotaro 6+3reb+1ast
Iwate: C.Mounce 27+8reb+2ast, M.Tejic 17+13reb+1ast, T.Shutatsu 13+3reb+6ast, Y.Sogo 9+1reb+3ast, S.Kokoro 6+1reb, M.Keijiro 3+4reb+1ast

Yokohama EX - Yamagata 90-81

Everything went according to plan in Yokohama where fourth ranked Excellence (17-8) beat 6th ranked Wyverns (6-20) 90-81 on Sunday. Yokohama outrebounded Yamagata 49-28 including a 23-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. Yokohama looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) who scored 23 points and 7 assists. Forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds. James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) produced 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and center Wayne Marshall (211-1986, college: Temple) added 14 points and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Excellence have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Yokohama moved-up to third place. Yamagata lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with 20 games lost. Yokohama will meet Fukui B. (#4) on the road in the next round. Yamagata will play against the league's second-placed Ehime and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yokohama EX: B.Tray 23+4reb+7ast, W.Elyjah 12+13reb+3ast, M.Zack 11+5reb+1ast, I.Nagano 10+3reb+3ast, L.Benjamin 9+9reb+1ast, Y.Sugiyama 8+2reb+2ast
Yamagata: J.Bell 20+6reb+4ast, M.Shinya 14+1reb+5ast, N.Waterman 10+6reb+1ast, R.Abe 10+2reb+1ast, S.Taisei 9, S.Doorson 6+9reb+3ast

Yokohama EX - Yamagata 89-82

There was no surprise in Yokohama where 6th ranked Wyverns (6-20) were defeated by fourth ranked Excellence (17-8) 89-82 on Monday. The best player for the winners was American guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) who had a double-double by scoring 38 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 10 assists. The other American import forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) chipped in 11 points and 9 rebounds. Four Excellence players scored in double figures. American James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) produced a triple-double by scoring 26 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists and Dutch center Shaquille Doorson (213-1994, college: Rutgers) added 15 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Excellence have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Yokohama moved-up to third place. Yamagata lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with 20 games lost. Yokohama will meet Fukui B. (#4) on the road in the next round. Yamagata will play against the league's second-placed Ehime and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yokohama EX: B.Tray 38+8reb+10ast, M.Zack 12+9reb, W.Elyjah 11+9reb+2ast, S.Coulibaly 10+3reb+1ast, I.Nagano 7+1ast, U.Junki 6
Yamagata: J.Bell 26+13reb+10ast, S.Doorson 15+12reb+4ast, M.Shinya 15+3reb+3ast, R.Abe 7+1reb+1ast, L.Jonghyun 7, Y.Kentaro 6+5reb