B2 League Round 56 of Regular Season

The Regular Season in B2 League is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 4 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise of round 56 was guest Yamagata's (13-43) road victory over Aomori W. (#7) 78-72 on Sunday evening. Wyverns looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Watts helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American center Noah Waterman (211-2000, college: Louisville) who had a double-double by scoring 32 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. Forward Takumi Sato (190-1989) chipped in 7 points and 8 rebounds. American forward Tim Dalger (201-2000, college: St.Louis, agency: Diamond Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the hosts. Yamagata moved-up to fifth place. Aomori W. at the other side dropped to the sixth position with 44 games lost. They share it with Iwate. Yamagata are looking forward to face Shizuoka (#7) at home in the next round. Aomori W. will play against the league's second-placed Fukushima and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Matsuyama. Third ranked Orange Vikings faced second-ranked Firebonds. Host Orange Vikings (36-20) defeated guests from Fukushima (40-16) 97-84. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Firebonds. American Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) orchestrated the victory by scoring 41 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. Mitchell Watt contributed with 23 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Egyptian-American center Patrick Gardner (211-1999, college: Marist) replied with 20 points and 6 rebounds for Fukushima. Firebonds' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Ehime moved-up to second place which they share with defeated Fukushima. Fukushima at the other side keeps the second position with 16 games lost. Ehime will play against league's leader Shinshu in Nagano in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Fukushima will play at home against Aomori W. and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Hyogo. First ranked Storks faced 4th ranked Rebnise. Host Storks (51-5) defeated guests from Renova (25-30) 82-65. Worth to mention a great performance of Yoeli Childs who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 22 rebounds. Anthony Gaines Jr responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Storks have an impressive 17-game winning streak. Kobe S. maintains first position with 51-5 record. Loser Rebnise keeps the fourth place with 30 games lost. Kobe S. will meet at home Kumamoto V. (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kagoshima will play against Bambitious and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 56 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Yokohama defeated Kumamoto V. in a road game 96-79. Bambitious were beaten by Fukuoka R. at home 76-86. Iwate was destroyed by Shinshu on the opponent's court 89-70. Shizuoka unfortunately lost to Fukui B. in a home game 78-93.
The best stats of 56th round was 20 points and 7 rebounds by Rapolas Ivanauskas of Fukui B..



Aomori W. - Yamagata 72-78

The biggest surprise of round 56 was guest Yamagata's (13-43) road victory over Aomori W. (#7) 78-72 on Sunday evening. Wyverns looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Watts helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American center Noah Waterman (211-2000, college: Louisville) who had a double-double by scoring 32 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. Forward Takumi Sato (190-1989) chipped in 7 points and 8 rebounds. American forward Tim Dalger (201-2000, college: St.Louis, agency: Diamond Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and his fellow American import Rashard Kelly (203-1995, college: Wichita St.) added 15 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four Watts players scored in double figures. Yamagata moved-up to fifth place. Aomori W. at the other side dropped to the sixth position with 44 games lost. They share it with Iwate. Yamagata are looking forward to face Shizuoka (#7) at home in the next round. Aomori W. will play against the league's second-placed Fukushima and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Aomori W.: T.Dalger 16+10reb+5ast, R.Kelly 15+6reb+3ast, O.Masahiro 12+1reb+4ast, A.Shugo 11+1reb, M.Beni 8+7reb+3ast, T.Kyonosuke 6+1ast
Yamagata: W.Noah 32+14reb+6ast, D.Shaquille 11+4reb+1ast, S.Nakata 10+1reb+2ast, S.Taisei 9+4reb+1ast, S.Murakami 8+3reb+7ast, T.Sato 7+8reb+3ast

Ehime OV - Fukushima 97-84

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Matsuyama. Third ranked Orange Vikings faced second-ranked Firebonds. Host Orange Vikings (36-20) defeated guests from Fukushima (40-16) 97-84. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Firebonds. Ehime made 24-of-29 charity shots (82.8 percent) during the game, while Fukushima only scored seven points from the stripe. Ehime players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Fukushima was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. American Shaquille Hines (201-1993, college: UTRGV) orchestrated the victory by scoring 41 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. The other American import center Mitchell Watt (208-1989, college: Buffalo, agency: Octagon Europe) contributed with 23 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Egyptian-American center Patrick Gardner (211-1999, college: Marist) replied with 20 points and 6 rebounds and American power forward Jack Nunge (213-1999, college: Xavier) added 11 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Fukushima. Four Fukushima players scored in double figures. Firebonds' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Ehime moved-up to second place which they share with defeated Fukushima. Fukushima at the other side keeps the second position with 16 games lost. Ehime will play against league's leader Shinshu in Nagano in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Fukushima will play at home against Aomori W. and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Fukushima: P.Gardner 20+6reb+3ast, K.Manigault 14+6reb+5ast, J.Nunge 11+14reb+4ast, Y.Okubo 10+2ast, Y.Java 10, N.Tsukasa 9+4reb+4ast
Ehime OV: H.Shaquille 41+10reb+1ast, W.Mitchell 23+9reb+7ast, H.Eiji 15+1reb, F.Takumi 8+3reb+6ast, T.Yoshihiko 5+4reb+1ast, I.Ryota 4+3reb+1ast

Kobe S. - Kagoshima 82-65

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Hyogo. First ranked Storks faced 4th ranked Rebnise. Host Storks (51-5) defeated guests from Renova (25-30) 82-65. Kobe S. outrebounded Kagoshima 51-31 including a 17-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. Kobe S. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 22 rebounds and the other American import Luke Maye (203-1997, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) who added 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. American swingman Anthony Gaines Jr (195-1993, college: LCU) responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds and point guard Zen Endo (182-1998, agency: Slash Sports) scored 16 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Storks have an impressive 17-game winning streak. Kobe S. maintains first position with 51-5 record. Loser Rebnise keeps the fourth place with 30 games lost. Kobe S. will meet at home Kumamoto V. (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kagoshima will play against Bambitious and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kagoshima: Z.Endo 16+3reb+2ast, A.Gaines Jr. 14+7reb+2ast, P.Auda 12+7reb+1ast, M.Haruya 8+2reb, F.Kota 7+3reb+4ast, N.Rabay 4+1reb
Kobe S.: C.Yoeli 25+22reb+3ast, M.Luke 20+10reb+4ast, K.Kimura 15+1reb, A.Hachimura 8+1reb, S.Jimmy 6+1reb+3ast, B.Isaac 3+10reb+1ast

Kumamoto V. - Yokohama EX 79-96

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Kumamoto where second-ranked Volters (35-21) were defeated by third ranked Excellence (35-18) 96-79 on Sunday. Yokohama looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 6 assists and the other American import forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) who added 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Excellence's coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. American Rawle Alkins (197-1997, college: Arizona) responded with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists and Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (208-1990, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 14 rebounds. Yokohama maintains third position with 35-18 record having eleven points less than leader Kobe S. which they share with defeated Kumamoto V.. Loser Volters dropped to the third place with 21 games lost. Yokohama will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kumamoto V. will play against the league's leader Kobe S. in Hyogo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kumamoto V.: R.Alkins 21+14reb+8ast, G.Echenique 18+14reb+2ast, K.Ishikawa 13+1reb+6ast, Y.Atomu 7+2reb+2ast, C.Tanaka 7+1reb+1ast, S.Keita 6+6reb+1ast
Yokohama EX: B.Tray 24+4reb+6ast, W.Elyjah 18+5reb+4ast, I.Nagano 13+2reb+2ast, M.Zack 9+5reb, L.Benjamin 8+12reb+4ast, U.Junki 7+2reb

Bambitious N. - Fukuoka R. 76-86

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fifth ranked Rizing's (22-32) road victory over 6th ranked Nara (17-39) 86-76 on Sunday. Fukuoka R. outrebounded Bambitious 37-23 including 25 on the defensive glass. Fukuoka R. looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Terrance Woodbury (203-1987, college: Georgia) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 8 rebounds and Spanish Pablo Aguilar (204-1989, agency: Octagon Europe) who added 6 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists and 4 steals during the contest. Woodbury is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American forward Jaemyn Brakefield (203-2000, college: Ole Miss, agency: Slash Sports) responded with 23 points and 4 assists and Ukrainian center Viacheslav Petrov (204-1994, agency: BIG) scored 16 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Fukuoka R. maintains fifth position with 22-32 record. Loser Nara keep the sixth place with 39 games lost. Fukuoka R. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Bambitious will play against Kagoshima (#4) in Renova and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bambitious N.: J.Brakefield 23+4reb+4ast, V.Petrov 16+8reb+1ast, H.Jumpei 8+1reb+1ast, I.Shotaro 7, K.Ryota 6+4reb+7ast, U.Aoba 5
Fukuoka R.: W.Terrance 26+8reb+3ast, A.Ryuji 20+1reb+2ast, T.Nishikawa 8+3reb+4ast, M.Nakatani 7+2reb+4ast, K.Aita 7+2reb+2ast, T.Kato 6+2reb

Shinshu BW - Iwate 89-70

Very expected game in Nagano where 5th ranked Big Bulls (12-44) were rolled over by first ranked Brave Warriors (43-13) 89-70 on Sunday. Shinshu made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. Shinshu outrebounded Iwate 34-20 including a 25-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shinshu looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of Mike Daum (206-1995, college: S.Dakota St.) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 8 rebounds and center Wayne Marshall (211-1986, college: Temple) who added 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Five Brave Warriors players scored in double figures. Forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman, agency: Slash Sports) responded with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and forward Noah Gurley (203-1999, college: Alabama) scored 15 points and 8 assists. Big Bulls' coach tested twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Brave Warriors have a solid three-game winning streak. Shinshu maintains first position with 43-13 record. Iwate lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with 44 games lost. They share the position with Aomori W.. Shinshu will meet at home league's second-placed Ehime in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Iwate will play against Fukui B. (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Iwate: C.Mounce 17+5reb+6ast, N.Gurley 15+2reb+8ast, S.Kokoro 13+3reb+5ast, S.Ryosuke 7+2reb+1ast, Y.Rin 7+1reb, N.Takumi 6
Shinshu BW: D.Mike 20+8reb+3ast, M.Wayne 18+5reb+4ast, K.Eliet 15+8reb+4ast, H.Yokoyama 12+3reb+2ast, C.Aki 11+4reb+2ast, D.Tsuchiya 6+2reb+4ast

Shizuoka - Fukui B. 78-93

Rather predictable result in Shizuoka where fourth ranked Blowinds (34-22) beat 7th ranked Veltex (14-42) 93-78 on Sunday. Fukui B. made 21-of-24 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game. Fukui B. had a 34-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 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 18 points and 10 rebounds and Lithuanian forward Rapolas Ivanauskas (208-1998, college: Cincinnati, agency: Slash Sports) who added 20 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Four Blowinds players scored in double figures. Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and Norwegian forward Chris-Ebou Ndow (199-1993, college: NW Missouri St.) scored 13 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Blowinds have a solid four-game winning streak. Fukui B. maintains fourth position with 34-22 record. Shizuoka lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 42 games lost. Fukui B. will meet Iwate (#7) on the road in the next round. Shizuoka will play against Yamagata and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shizuoka: C.Ndow 13+7reb+2ast, A.Brandt 12+10reb+5ast, H.Naoaki 12+3reb+2ast, K.Masuda 9+2reb+2ast, K.Seiya 9, K.Lawson 9+3reb+1ast
Fukui B.: I.Rapolas 20+7reb+1ast, K.Ryan 18+10reb+1ast, D.Mosaku 16+3reb+6ast, S.Kawashima 12+3reb+1ast, K.Orgil 9+1reb, M.Hosoya 5+2reb+2ast