B2 League Round 28 (Regular Season): Yokohama defeat Fukui B. in the game between Top 4 teams

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

An interesting game for Excellence (19-8) which played road game in Fukui against one of their biggest challengers Blowinds (16-12). Third ranked Excellence had an easy win 95-63. Yokohama dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Blowinds's 36. Yokohama outrebounded Fukui B. 46-35 including a 31-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Yokohama looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) who helped to win the game recording 26 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. The other American import guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) contributed with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Lithuanian forward Rapolas Ivanauskas (208-1998, college: Cincinnati) replied with 23 points and 8 rebounds for Fukui B.The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Excellence have an impressive ten-game winning streak. Yokohama maintains third position with 19-8 record having eight points less than leader Fukushima. Fukui B. lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with 12 games lost. Yokohama are looking forward to face Aomori W. (#7) at home in the next round. Fukui B. will play against Bambitious in Nara and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for Brave Warriors (21-7) which hosted in Nagano 4th ranked Volters (11-17). Second ranked Brave Warriors managed to get a 6-point victory 90-84. Worth to mention a great performance of American Mike Daum (206-1995, college: S.Dakota St.) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and Wayne Marshall who added 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (208-1990, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 28 points and 9 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws). Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Brave Warriors have an impressive 12-game winning streak. Shinshu maintains second position with 21-7 record having five points less than leader Fukushima. Kumamoto V. lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth place with 17 games lost. Shinshu will play against league's leader Fukushima on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kumamoto V. will play against Iwate (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
B2 League top team - Firebonds (24-4) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they beat fifth ranked Big Bulls (8-20) in Iwate 83-66. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by Kenny Manigault who had that evening a double-double by scoring 13 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Even 26 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists by Clay Mounce did not help to save the game for Iwate. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Fukushima maintains first position with 24-4 record. Iwate lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 20 games lost. Fukushima will meet at home league's second-placed Shinshu in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Iwate will play against Kumamoto V. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games in round 28 were not that significant. Ehime beat Yamagata on the road 76-69. Kobe S. destroyed Bambitious on its own court 93-46. Kagoshima managed to outperform Aomori W. in Renova 82-73. Fukuoka R. managed to beat Shizuoka at home 97-88.
The most impressive performance of 28th round was 37 points (!!!) and 4 assists by Davon Reed of Fukuoka R..



Yamagata - Ehime OV 69-76

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Orange Vikings (19-9) beat 6th ranked Wyverns (6-22) in Yamagata 76-69 on Sunday. The winners were led by Dutch center Matt Haarms (221-1997, college: BYU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds and American Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) supported him with 17 points and 4 assists. Even 8 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists by American Mike Daum (206-1995, college: S.Dakota St.) did not help to save the game for Yamagata. His fellow American import center Noah Waterman (211-2000, college: Louisville) added 13 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Orange Vikings have a solid three-game winning streak. Ehime maintains second position with 19-9 record having seven points less than leader Fukushima. Yamagata lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 22 games lost. They share the position with Shizuoka. Ehime will meet at home league's leader Kobe S. in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Yamagata will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Ehime OV: H.Shaquille 17+2reb+4ast, H.Matt 15+12reb+2ast, P.Michael 9+4reb+2ast, F.Takumi 8+4reb+3ast, H.Eiji 8+1reb, Y.Okuda 8+1reb+3ast
Yamagata: N.Waterman 13+6reb, N.Shuki 10+2ast, R.Abe 9+3reb+1ast, S.Doorson 9+6reb+1ast, J.Bell 8+5reb+5ast, L.Jonghyun 8+13reb+4ast

Fukui B. - Yokohama EX 63-95

An interesting game for Excellence (19-8) which played road game in Fukui against one of their biggest challengers Blowinds (16-12). Third ranked Excellence had an easy win 95-63. Yokohama dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Blowinds's 36. Yokohama outrebounded Fukui B. 46-35 including a 31-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Yokohama looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) who helped to win the game recording 26 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. The other American import guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) contributed with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Lithuanian forward Rapolas Ivanauskas (208-1998, college: Cincinnati) replied with 23 points and 8 rebounds and American forward Perry Ellis (203-1993, college: Kansas) added 15 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Fukui B.The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Excellence have an impressive ten-game winning streak. Yokohama maintains third position with 19-8 record having eight points less than leader Fukushima. Fukui B. lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with 12 games lost. Yokohama are looking forward to face Aomori W. (#7) at home in the next round. Fukui B. will play against Bambitious in Nara and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yokohama EX: W.Elyjah 26+9reb+4ast, B.Tray 25+5reb+5ast, L.Benjamin 15+14reb+3ast, U.Junki 7+4reb+1ast, M.Zack 5+5reb+1ast, S.Coulibaly 4+2reb+1ast
Fukui B.: R.Ivanauskas 23+8reb+1ast, P.Ellis 15+8reb+3ast, K.Sena 10+1reb+5ast, K.Min-Wook 4+1reb, M.Damilola 3+5reb+2ast, N.Eishin 3+2reb+4ast

Iwate - Fukushima 66-83

B2 League top team - Firebonds (24-4) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they beat fifth ranked Big Bulls (8-20) in Iwate 83-66. Fukushima looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by swingman Kenny Manigault (195-1991, college: Pikeville) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 13 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals and power forward Jack Nunge (213-1999, college: Xavier) supported him with 23 points. Even 26 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists by forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman, agency: Slash Sports) did not help to save the game for Iwate. Forward Noah Gurley (203-1999, college: Alabama) added 10 points and 5 assists for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Fukushima maintains first position with 24-4 record. Iwate lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 20 games lost. Fukushima will meet at home league's second-placed Shinshu in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Iwate will play against Kumamoto V. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fukushima: N.Jack 23+4reb+1ast, M.Kenny 13+10reb+7ast, G.Patrick 13+2reb+2ast, B.Diouf 9+5reb+1ast, T.Nakano 7+4reb+2ast, S.Watanabe 5+2ast
Iwate: C.Mounce 26+9reb+4ast, N.Gurley 10+4reb+5ast, N.Takumi 8+1reb+2ast, M.Keijiro 6+2reb, U.Hiroki 5+3reb, N.Yuto 5+2reb+2ast

Kobe S. - Bambitious N. 93-46

Very expected game when 6th ranked Nara (9-19) was smashed by first ranked Storks (26-2) in Hyogo 93-46 on Sunday. Kobe S. dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Nara' 30. Kobe S. outrebounded Bambitious 46-24 including a 32-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Kobe S. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American players dominated also this game. The winners were led by center Isaac Butts (208-1989, college: App State) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 22 rebounds and Rawle Alkins (197-1997, college: Arizona) supported him with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Storks players scored in double figures. Even 18 points and 8 rebounds by forward Jaemyn Brakefield (203-2000, college: Ole Miss, agency: Slash Sports) did not help to save the game for Bambitious. Center Nigel Spikes (208-1989, college: Marshall) added 12 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Storks have an impressive nine-game winning streak. Kobe S. maintains first position with 26-2 record. Bambitious lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 19 games lost. Kobe S. will meet league's second-placed Ehime in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Bambitious will play against Fukui B. (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kobe S.: A.Rawle 23+7reb+4ast, B.Isaac 20+22reb+2ast, C.Yoeli 16+8reb+5ast, A.Hachimura 11+2reb+2ast, N.Dohara 7+2reb, R.Kaneda 6+1reb
Bambitious N.: J.Brakefield 18+8reb, N.Spikes 12+6reb+3ast, K.Masaya 9+3reb+1ast, V.Petrov 6+3reb+1ast, K.Ryota 1+2reb+5ast, N.Erimu 0+1reb

Shinshu BW - Kumamoto V. 90-84

An interesting game for Brave Warriors (21-7) which hosted in Nagano 4th ranked Volters (11-17). Second ranked Brave Warriors managed to get a 6-point victory 90-84. Shinshu players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American Mike Daum (206-1995, college: S.Dakota St.) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and the other American import center Wayne Marshall (211-1986, college: Temple) who added 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (208-1990, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 28 points and 9 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws) and American forward Mitch Lightfoot (203-1997, college: Kansas, agency: Slash Sports) scored 17 points and 9 rebounds. 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. Brave Warriors have an impressive 12-game winning streak. Shinshu maintains second position with 21-7 record having five points less than leader Fukushima. Kumamoto V. lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth place with 17 games lost. Shinshu will play against league's leader Fukushima on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kumamoto V. will play against Iwate (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: D.Mike 21+4reb+3ast, M.Wayne 16+8reb+4ast, C.Aki 16+6reb, K.Eliet 15+4reb+3ast, O.Akitoshi 8+5ast, C.Angelo 4+2reb+1ast
Kumamoto V.: G.Echenique 28+9reb+2ast, M.Lightfoot 17+9reb, Y.Atomu 13+3reb+3ast, K.Ishikawa 10+1reb+2ast, H.Isono 9+6reb+3ast, R.Nagashima 3+1reb+4ast

Aomori W. - Kagoshima 73-82

Rather predictable result when third ranked Rebnise (13-14) won against 7th ranked Watts (5-23) in Aomori 82-73 on Sunday. Kagoshima forced 19 Aomori W. turnovers. The winners were led by American-British center Josh Sharma (213-1995, college: Stanford) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds and point guard Takayuki Kodama (166-1992) supported him with 13 points and 6 assists. Four Rebnise players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 15 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists by American center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech, agency: Slash Sports) did not help to save the game for Aomori W.. His fellow American import Rashard Kelly (203-1995, college: Wichita St.) added 18 points and 6 assists for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Kagoshima maintains third position with 13-14 record having fourteen points less than leader Fukushima. Aomori W. at the other side keeps the seventh place with 23 games lost. Kagoshima will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Aomori W. will play against Yokohama (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kagoshima: S.Josh 16+11reb+1ast, K.Takayuki 13+1reb+6ast, K.Fujimoto 13+1reb+5ast, H.Matsuno 11+3reb+2ast, A.Patrik 9+7reb+2ast, E.Zen 8
Aomori W.: W.Wang 18+2reb+2ast, R.Kelly 18+4reb+6ast, M.Hisatake 15+14reb+4ast, O.Masahiro 7+1reb+2ast, T.Kyonosuke 6, A.Shugo 5+4reb

Fukuoka R. - Shizuoka 97-88

Not a big story in a game when 7th ranked Veltex (6-22) lost to fifth ranked Rizing (12-16) in Fukuoka 88-97 on Sunday. Fukuoka R. shot 60.3 percent from the field. They shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 52.0 percentage. Fukuoka R. looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The winners were led by Puerto Rican-American swingman Davon Reed (198-1995, college: Miami, FL) who scored that evening 37 points (!!!) and 4 assists and Spanish Pablo Aguilar (204-1989, agency: Octagon Europe) supported him with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Even 14 points and 6 rebounds by Norwegian forward Chris-Ebou Ndow (199-1993, college: NW Missouri St.) did not help to save the game for Shizuoka. point guard Takayuki Kodama (166-1992) added 16 points and 4 assists for lost side. Four Shizuoka players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Fukuoka R. moved-up to fourth place. Shizuoka at the other side dropped to the sixth position with 22 games lost. They share it with Yamagata. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: R.Davon 37+3reb+4ast, A.Pablo 21+11reb+2ast, E.Shimoyama 9+1reb+5ast, T.Nishikawa 8+4reb+6ast, K.Yusuke 6, S.Murakami 6+3reb+6ast
Shizuoka: Y.Manaya 16+1reb+4ast, C.Ndow 14+6reb+1ast, K.Teppei 13+1reb+1ast, S.Hayashi 10+2reb+3ast, K.Masuda 8+1reb, T.Martel 6+2reb