B.League Game of the Day: Two Teams So Evenly Matched, Overtime Could Not Decide A Winner
The usually serene Shimane prefecture in west Japan was host to the most exciting B.League game of October 26th. Home team Shimane Susanoo Magic, one of the best teams of the season so far, welcomed the middling Akita Northern Happinets, in a game where the tension and drama grew and grew to the very end.
Shimane’s big men opened the scoring, leaving Akita’s outside shooters to work early on. Raita Akaho hit five in a row to level the scores after five minutes, then Yannis Morin made a layup to give the Happinets their first lead of the game.
Shimane had a 7-0 run through the end of the first quarter and start of the second, levelling the scores. Throughout the second quarter the teams exchanged baskets, showcased exceptional passing and layup skills, though Akita managed to keep themselves in front until a three from Nick Kay put the Magic back in the lead, but leaving only one point in it.
Shimane ended the first half with seven points unanswered, their streak ended with a three from Akita’s Shigehiro Taguchi. The Happinets were making their height advantage over the Magic felt, while connecting from the three-point line.
Yuto Nohmi’s ability on the fast break and from three-point territory gave Shimane a double-digit lead, which was soon cut down by Morin and Mohammed Gadiaga in the low post. Morin was getting it all done for Akita under the basket, keeping the game close despite frequent attempts by Kay on the other end to begin a late breakaway for the Magic.
With time running down in the fourth Morin and Taguchi levelled the scores and Shimane fought hard to get a final shot to drop, but with no one managing to connect in the final seconds the game went to overtime. Both teams turned up their defence in overtime, but Takuya Nakayama came alive for Akita in the extra period, knifing through the lane and finding his team mates for open looks at basket.
A three from Kay and a late shot in traffic from James McAdoo sent the game to another period of overtime. There Morin was determined to put the game to bed, but superior shot selection and ball movement in crunch moments finally saw Shimane come away with the win by a final score of 95-90.
Twelve players finished scoring in double digits here. Despite the loss, Morin was a force, finishing with a game-high 22 points and 14 rebounds, with Taguchi putting up 21 for Akita. Luke Evans led the scoring for Shimane with 21 points on 85% field shooting, with Nick Kay contributing 18 and McAdoo an outstanding all-around showing: 13 points and rebounds along with seven assists.
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