Shiga's pressure can turn a loose pass into an immediate scoring chance. Chiba brings frequent outside shots, but its renewed frontcourt gives it another route once the perimeter is covered. This matchup is likely to be decided by the next useful shot after a defensive adjustment and by the final stop, rather than the first burst of threes.
Shiga's Auguste and Sneed can run from steals, while Kriener gives its half-court offense a second link. Chiba's Togashi and Randolph can create outside, and Maye and Costello can finish inside against a Shiga defense that recently conceded the paint to Mikawa. Costello actually returned for twenty minutes with points and rebounds in Chiba's last game; Nate Williams remains on the injury list and missed that game, while Kanechika played despite an older concussion report. Shiga has prepared for Chiba's outside talent, so I expect Chiba to use Randolph's secondary scoring and Maye and Costello around the rim before seeking the last defensive rebound. Those observed scoring outlets after the first closeout have me siding with Chiba.
