B2 League Round 33 (Regular Season): Shinshu is a new leader

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Brave Warriors as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Brave Warriors defeated 3rd placed Excellence in Nagano 84-78. It ended at the same time the 14-game winning streak of Excellence. Shinshu outrebounded Yokohama 46-29 including a 31-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shinshu looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Yokohama's players. 25 personal fouls committed by Yokohama helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was South Sudanese-American center Angelo Chol (206-1993, college: SDSU) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. The former international guard Aki Chambers (191-1990, college: UC Merced) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) who recorded 31 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Fukushima. Yokohama at the other side keeps the third place with nine games lost. Yokohama will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Shinshu will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked Yokohama at home.
Fifth-ranked Big Bulls (9-24) made lots of trouble for first ranked Storks (30-3) in Iwate. The visitors from Hyogo managed to secure only two-point victory 80-78. However their fans expected much easier game. The game was dominated by American players. It was a good game for Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds. Luke Maye contributed with 15 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals for the winners. Forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman, agency: Slash Sports) answered with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for Iwate. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Storks have a solid series of four victories in a row. Kobe S. maintains first place with 30-3 record. Iwate at the other side keeps the fifth position with 24 games lost. Kobe S. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Iwate will play at home against the league's leader Kobe S. (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Seventh-ranked Veltex (6-27) made lots of trouble for sixth ranked Nara (12-21) on Saturday. Nara managed to secure only three-point victory 79-76. However their fans expected easier game. Jaemyn Brakefield stepped up and scored 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Nara's coach Haruyuki Ishibashi used entire bench in such tough game. The best for the losing side was Angus Brandt with a double-double by scoring 27 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Nara have a solid series of three victories in a row. Bambitious maintains sixth place with 12-21 record. Shizuoka lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 27 games lost. They share it with Aomori W.. Bambitious will meet at home Shizuoka (#7) in the next round. Shizuoka will have a break next round.

Other games of round 33 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Fukuoka R. defeated Ehime in a road game 85-77. Ehime was beaten by Fukuoka R. at home 70-79. Kagoshima won against Fukui B. on the opponent's court 88-76. Fukushima managed to outperform Yamagata in a home game 75-61. Aomori W. recorded a loss to Kumamoto V. on the road 85-78.



Ehime OV - Fukuoka R. 77-85

There was a minor upset in Matsuyama where second-best Orange Vikings (21-13) were defeated by fifth ranked Rizing (15-19) 85-77 on Friday. Fukuoka R. looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. American forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) stepped up and scored 21 points and 6 assists for the winners and Spanish Pablo Aguilar (204-1989, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 11 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. Five Rizing players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and the other American import center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 16 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Fukuoka R. maintains fifth place with 15-19 record. Loser Orange Vikings keeps the second position with 13 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: B.Justin 21+4reb+6ast, T.Nishikawa 14+1reb+3ast, E.Shimoyama 13+3reb+9ast, A.Pablo 11+12reb+4ast, A.Ryuji 10+2reb+1ast, T.Kato 6+2reb+2ast
Ehime OV: M.Watt 16+4reb+1ast, E.Hayashi 14+2reb+2ast, S.Hines 14+6reb+6ast, M.Haarms 9+5reb, O.Yugo 8+4reb+2ast, M.Parker 7+4reb+3ast

Ehime OV - Fukuoka R. 70-79

There was a small surprise in Matsuyama where fifth ranked Rizing (15-19) defeated second-best Orange Vikings (21-13) 79-70 on Saturday. Fukuoka R. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Spanish Pablo Aguilar (204-1989, agency: Octagon Europe) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and American forward Justin Burrell (204-1988, college: St.John's) chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds. Four Rizing players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) with 16 points and 6 rebounds and Dutch center Matt Haarms (221-1997, college: BYU) scored 14 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Fukuoka R. maintains fifth place with 15-19 record. Loser Orange Vikings keeps the second position with 13 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Fukuoka R.: T.Nishikawa 15+1reb+1ast, B.Justin 13+8reb+3ast, A.Pablo 13+12reb+4ast, K.Aita 13+3reb+3ast, S.Tim 8+3reb+2ast, A.Ryuji 6+3reb+1ast
Ehime OV: M.Watt 16+6reb+3ast, M.Haarms 14+5reb+2ast, M.Parker 13+4reb+3ast, S.Hines 8+5reb+1ast, E.Hayashi 8+4reb+3ast, T.Furuno 5+4ast

Fukui B. - Kagoshima 76-88

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 4th placed Blowinds' (18-15) home loss to third ranked Rebnise (17-15) 76-88 on Saturday. Kagoshima looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Kagoshima made 8 blocks. American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr. (195-1993, college: LCU) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 31 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and Czech Patrik Auda (206-1989, college: Seton Hall, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 10 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Rebnise players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Lithuanian forward Rapolas Ivanauskas (208-1998, college: Cincinnati, agency: Slash Sports) with 22 points and 9 rebounds and American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke, agency: Slash Sports) scored 23 points and 5 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Kagoshima maintains third place with 17-15 record having nine points less than leader Kobe S. Fukui B. lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with 15 games lost. Kagoshima will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Fukui B. will play against Kagoshima (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kagoshima: G.Anthony 31+10reb+2ast, S.Josh 17+7reb, E.Zen 15+4reb+2ast, A.Patrik 10+10reb+4ast, K.Takayuki 8+2reb+9ast, H.Matsuno 5+1ast
Fukui B.: R.Kelly 23+5reb, R.Ivanauskas 22+9reb+3ast, N.You 8+3reb, P.Ellis 7+5reb+4ast, K.Sena 6+4reb+1ast, M.Damilola 4+3reb+6ast

Fukushima - Yamagata 75-61

Very predictable result in Fukushima where first ranked Firebonds (25-8) beat 6th ranked Wyverns (8-25) 75-61 on Saturday. Fukushima outrebounded Yamagata 53-30 including a 20-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Fukushima looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Egyptian-American center Patrick Gardner (211-1999, college: Marist) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and American power forward Jack Nunge (213-1999, college: Xavier) chipped in 7 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists. Firebonds' coach Ryan Marchand used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was American James Bell (196-1992, college: Villanova, agency: Slash Sports) with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists and point guard Ryusei Abe (181-1995) scored 11 points. Fukushima maintains first place with 25-8 record, which they share with Shinshu. Loser Wyverns keeps the sixth position with 25 games lost. Fukushima will meet at home Yamagata (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Yamagata will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Fukushima: G.Patrick 25+13reb+4ast, T.Nakano 10+3reb+1ast, K.Shinkawa 7+1reb, N.Jack 7+15reb+4ast, W.Koki 6+3reb, J.Yoneyama 6+2reb+3ast
Yamagata: J.Bell 16+6reb+7ast, R.Abe 11+4reb+1ast, S.Taisei 11+3reb+1ast, N.Waterman 7+4reb, S.Doorson 6+3reb, L.Jonghyun 4+6reb+3ast

Iwate - Kobe S. 78-80

Fifth-ranked Big Bulls (9-24) made lots of trouble for first ranked Storks (30-3) in Iwate. The visitors from Hyogo managed to secure only two-point victory 80-78. However their fans expected much easier game. Kobe S. had a 14-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. The game was dominated by American players. It was a good game for Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds. Luke Maye (203-1997, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) contributed with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals for the winners. Four Storks players scored in double figures. Forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman, agency: Slash Sports) answered with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Noah Gurley (203-1999, college: Alabama) added 16 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Iwate. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Storks have a solid series of four victories in a row. Kobe S. maintains first place with 30-3 record. Iwate at the other side keeps the fifth position with 24 games lost. Kobe S. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Iwate will play at home against the league's leader Kobe S. (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Kobe S.: C.Yoeli 22+11reb+3ast, M.Luke 15+11reb+6ast, K.Kimura 13+1reb+2ast, R.Kaneda 11+5reb+4ast, S.Terazono 7+1reb+1ast, R.Nomizo 6+1reb+4ast
Iwate: C.Mounce 28+6reb+4ast, N.Gurley 16+7reb+1ast, Y.Sogo 9+3reb+7ast, M.Tejic 8+3reb+2ast, T.Shutatsu 6+1reb, U.Hiroki 3+1reb

Kumamoto V. - Aomori W. 85-78

Not a big story in a game in Kumamoto where 7th ranked Watts (6-27) were defeated by fourth ranked Volters (16-17) 85-78 on Saturday. Kumamoto V. had a 24-13 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Guard Shota Yamamoto (188-1999) stepped up and scored 19 points and 4 assists (perfect behind the arc making all five shots) for the winners and Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (208-1990, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American center Max Hisatake (203-1998, college: IlIinois Tech) with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals and the other American import forward Tim Dalger (201-2000, college: St.Louis) scored 22 points. Four Aomori W. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Volters have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Kumamoto V. maintains fourth place with 16-17 record. Loser Watts keeps the seventh position with 27 games lost. They share it with Shizuoka. Kumamoto V. will meet at home Aomori W. (#7) in the next round. Aomori W. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: S.Yamamoto 19+4reb+4ast, E.Gregory 16+7reb+1ast, L.Mitch 12+8reb, A.Yamada 11+1reb, D.Nemanja 6+4reb+4ast, K.Sawabe 6+4reb
Aomori W.: T.Dalger 22+3reb+2ast, M.Hisatake 15+9reb+6ast, N.Kenshin 10+2reb+2ast, W.Wang 10+7reb+1ast, O.Masahiro 9+2reb+1ast, K.Nagomu 6+1reb

Bambitious N. - Shizuoka 79-76

Seventh-ranked Veltex (6-27) made lots of trouble for sixth ranked Nara (12-21) on Saturday. Nara managed to secure only three-point victory 79-76. However their fans expected easier game. American forward Jaemyn Brakefield (203-2000, college: Ole Miss, agency: Slash Sports) stepped up and scored 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and Ukrainian center Viacheslav Petrov (204-1994, agency: BIG) chipped in 20 points and 7 rebounds. Nara's coach Haruyuki Ishibashi used entire bench in such tough game. The best for the losing side was Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) with a double-double by scoring 27 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists and Norwegian forward Chris-Ebou Ndow (199-1993, college: NW Missouri St.) scored 15 points and 7 rebounds. Nara have a solid series of three victories in a row. Bambitious maintains sixth place with 12-21 record. Shizuoka lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 27 games lost. They share it with Aomori W.. Bambitious will meet at home Shizuoka (#7) in the next round. Shizuoka will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Bambitious N.: B.Jaemyn 23+6reb+4ast, P.Viacheslav 20+7reb+3ast, S.Nigel 12+11reb, J.Honda 7+1reb, R.Kobayashi 7+1reb+2ast, S.Takuya 6+5ast
Shizuoka: A.Brandt 27+12reb+4ast, C.Ndow 15+7reb+1ast, N.Ryusei 12+1reb+6ast, H.Naoaki 8+2reb+3ast, T.Martel 6+2reb+1ast, S.Takumi 3+4reb+4ast

Shinshu BW - Yokohama EX 84-78

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Brave Warriors as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Brave Warriors defeated 3rd placed Excellence in Nagano 84-78. It ended at the same time the 14-game winning streak of Excellence. Shinshu outrebounded Yokohama 46-29 including a 31-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shinshu looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Yokohama's players. 25 personal fouls committed by Yokohama helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was South Sudanese-American center Angelo Chol (206-1993, college: SDSU) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. The former international guard Aki Chambers (191-1990, college: UC Merced) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. Four Brave Warriors players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) who recorded 31 points and the other American import forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) added 15 points and 13 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Fukushima. Yokohama at the other side keeps the third place with nine games lost. Yokohama will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Shinshu will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked Yokohama at home.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: C.Angelo 17+11reb+1ast, D.Mike 14+6reb+2ast, C.Aki 12+8reb+2ast, M.Wayne 11+7reb+2ast, D.Tsuchiya 10+2reb+5ast, O.Akitoshi 9+5reb+4ast
Yokohama EX: T.Boyd III 31+4reb+3ast, E.Williams 15+13reb+2ast, N.Io 7+1reb+3ast, K.Ezzeddine 7+5reb+1ast, Z.Moore 6+2reb, J.Uera 5+1reb