WJBL Round 14 (Regular Season): No surprise as #1 Toyota A. defeats Hitachi Cougars

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

WJBL top team - Toyota A. (13-0) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed eighth ranked Hitachi Cougars (5-8) in Nagoya 102-63. Toyota A. dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Hitachi Cougars' 38 and made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Hitachi Cougars 43-29 including 19 on the offensive glass. Toyota A. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The former international center Kadysha Umezawa (190-1998) scored 18 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and Senegalese center Sokhna Sylla (200-1997) chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Guard Nanami Seki (171-2000) responded with 13 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Undefeated Toyota A. have an impressive 13-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-0 record. Hitachi Cougars at the other side keep the eighth place with eight games lost. Toyota A.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Nagoya Mitsubishi K..
The game in Anjo was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Denso I. (12-1) played at the court of 7th ranked Aishin AW (6-7). Denso I. defeated Aishin AW 64-51. The former international center Maki Takada (185-1989) notched 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and Akaho Himawari supported her with 9 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 8 points and 17 rebounds by Sakura Noguchi (181-2001) did not help to save the game for Aishin AW. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Denso I. have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 12-1 record behind leader Toyota A. Aishin AW at the other side keeps the seventh place with seven games lost. Denso I. will play against Haneda V. (#11) in Tokyo in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Aishin AW will play on the road against Eneos S. (#4) in Kashiwa and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game took place in Nagoya where higher ranked Mitsubishi K. (4-10) was upset on its own court by thirteenth ranked Haneda V. (3-11) 64-56 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was Miwa Kuribayashi who scored 21 points and 9 rebounds. Aya Watanabe produced 18 points for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Haneda V. moved-up to eleventh place. Loser Mitsubishi K. keeps the ninth position with ten games lost. Haneda V. will meet at home league's second-placed Denso I. in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Mitsubishi K.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Nagoya to the arena Toyota A..

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 14: Himeji E. was destroyed by Fujitsu RW on the opponent's court 95-55. Yamanashi QB was outscored by Toyota BSR in a home game 65-89. Chanson V-M rolled over Aranmare on the road 66-40. Bottom-ranked Niigata R. lost to defending champion Eneos S. on its own court 49-81.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 6 points and 13 rebounds by Ramu Tokashiki of Eneos S..

The Round Review is presented by LBM Management. A full-service agency focused on Women's basketball sphere and working worldwide. A global and ethical quality service.

Fujitsu RW - Himeji E. 95-55

Very expected game in Kawasaki where 12th ranked Himeji E. (2-11) was crushed by third ranked Fujitsu RW (12-2) 95-55 on Sunday. Fujitsu RW outrebounded Himeji E. 54-29 including a 35-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Fujitsu RW looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by Himeji E.'s players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Fujitsu RW made 8 blocks. The best player for the winners was Nigerian center Joshuana von Novon (190-1999) who had a double-double by scoring 30 points and 15 rebounds. The former international point guard Rui Machida (162-1993) chipped in 10 points and 8 assists. Point guard Aoi Ishimaki (165-2000) produced 21 points and 7 rebounds and guard Maho Endo (172-2000) added 11 points and 4 steals respectively for the guests. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Fujitsu RW maintains third position with 12-2 record behind leader Toyota A., which they share with Eneos S. Himeji E. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Yamanashi QB. Fujitsu RW will meet Aranmare (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Himeji E. will play against Niigata R. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Himeji E.: I.Aoi 21+7reb+3ast, E.Maho 11+3reb, S.Yoshida 10+3reb, S.Asami 4+3reb, T.Kana 4+1ast, H.Shiori 3+1ast
Fujitsu RW: v.Novon Joshuana 30+15reb+1ast, Y.Miyazawa 13+2reb+2ast, R.Machida 10+4reb+8ast, U.Akina 8+7reb+2ast, R.Akagi 7+3reb+1ast, F.Aki 7+9reb+5ast

Aishin AW - Denso I. 51-64

The game in Anjo was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Denso I. (12-1) played at the court of 7th ranked Aishin AW (6-7). Denso I. defeated Aishin AW 64-51. The former international center Maki Takada (185-1989) notched 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and the former international Akaho Himawari (185-1998) supported her with 9 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 8 points and 17 rebounds by Sakura Noguchi (181-2001) did not help to save the game for Aishin AW. June Mineharu (171-1999) added 13 points for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Denso I. have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 12-1 record behind leader Toyota A. Aishin AW at the other side keeps the seventh place with seven games lost. Denso I. will play against Haneda V. (#11) in Tokyo in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Aishin AW will play on the road against Eneos S. (#4) in Kashiwa and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Aishin AW: J.Mineharu 13+3reb+1ast, U.Ayaka 8+1reb+3ast, S.Miyabi 8, S.Noguchi 8+17reb+2ast, Y.Nanaka 5+4reb, A.Sanbu 4+1reb
Denso I.: M.Takada 15+8reb+4ast, Y.Minami 12+3reb+1ast, A.Kimura 9+4reb+7ast, H.Shinohara 9, A.Himawari 9+13reb+4ast, W.Yuri 6+3reb

Yamanashi QB - Toyota BSR 65-89

Very predictable result when sixth ranked Toyota BSR (9-5) smashed on the road 11th ranked Yamanashi QB (2-11) 89-65 on Sunday. Toyota BSR made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. Toyota BSR outrebounded Yamanashi QB 50-35 including a 26-12 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was international Nanako Todo (175-2000) who scored 24 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Miki Sasaka (178-1998) chipped in 10 points and 6 rebounds. Four Toyota BSR players scored in double figures. Forward Hinako Kawabata (175-1999) produced 12 points and Indian center Anmolpreet Kaur (185-1999) added 7 points respectively for the hosts. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Toyota BSR have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain sixth position with 9-5 record. Yamanashi QB lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Himeji E.. Toyota BSR will meet Hitachi Cougars (#8) in the next round. Yamanashi QB will play against Chanson V-M (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yamanashi QB: K.Hinako 12+4reb, T.Airi 7+2reb, Y.Ishida 7+2reb, A.Kaur 7+4reb, A.Miyoshi 6+3reb+2ast, M.Miyasaka 6+1reb+3ast
Toyota BSR: T.Nanako 24+6reb+4ast, M.Kawamura 11+5reb+1ast, Y.Kitamura 11+4reb+1ast, M.Sasaka 10+6reb+1ast, H.Yuki 10+3reb, I.Misora 7+1ast

Aranmare A. - Chanson V-M 40-66

Not a big story in a game in Akita where 10th ranked Aranmare (3-10) was rolled over by fifth ranked Chanson V-M (10-3) 66-40 on Sunday. Chanson V-M held Aranmare to an opponent 23.9 percent shooting from the field compared to 43.1 percent accuracy of the winners. They outrebounded Aranmare 48-36 including 35 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was the former international Minami Shirasaki (166-1996) who scored 14 points and 5 rebounds. International swingman Mai Yoshida (175-1998) chipped in 9 points and 8 rebounds. Swingman Kyoka Sato (174-1998) produced 10 points and guard Asuka Hiramatsu (162-1994) added 9 points respectively for the hosts. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Chanson V-M have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 10-3 record. Aranmare lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with ten games lost. Chanson V-M will meet Yamanashi QB (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Aranmare will play against Fujitsu RW and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Aranmare A.: S.Kyoka 10+2reb+3ast, A.Hiramatsu 9+3reb+2ast, H.Noda 5+3reb+1ast, O.Suzu 5, A.Kitagawa 4+8reb, K.Niang 4+4reb
Chanson V-M: S.Minami 14+5reb, Y.Mai 9+8reb, U.Izoje 8+5reb, H.Kuke 6+1reb+6ast, K.Aina 6+4reb, C.Yuri 4+4reb+3ast

Mitsubishi K. - Haneda V. 56-64

An interesting game took place in Nagoya where higher ranked Mitsubishi K. (4-10) was upset on its own court by thirteenth ranked Haneda V. (3-11) 64-56 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was center Miwa Kuribayashi (188-1998) who scored 21 points and 9 rebounds. Haruki Takahara (175-1999) chipped in 13 points. The former international Aya Watanabe (168-1992) produced 18 points and the former international forward Nemoto Haruno (176-1995) added 9 points respectively for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Haneda V. moved-up to eleventh place. Loser Mitsubishi K. keeps the ninth position with ten games lost. Haneda V. will meet at home league's second-placed Denso I. in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Mitsubishi K.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Nagoya to the arena Toyota A..
Top scorers:
Mitsubishi K.: A.Watanabe 18+4reb+2ast, H.Kasagi 9+3reb+1ast, N.Haruno 9+4reb+1ast, Y.Kosuge 7+6reb, F.Nodoka 6+2reb, T.Nisbet 4+5reb+1ast
Haneda V.: M.Kuribayashi 21+9reb, H.Takahara 13+1reb+3ast, C.Ayumi 6+2reb, Y.Tsumura 6+1reb+3ast, O.Sayako 6+10reb+1ast, J.Hikaru 5+4reb+2ast

Toyota A. - Hitachi Cougars 102-63

WJBL top team - Toyota A. (13-0) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed eighth ranked Hitachi Cougars (5-8) in Nagoya 102-63. Toyota A. dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Hitachi Cougars' 38 and made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Hitachi Cougars 43-29 including 19 on the offensive glass. Toyota A. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The former international center Kadysha Umezawa (190-1998) scored 18 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and Senegalese center Sokhna Sylla (200-1997) chipped in 17 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Five Toyota A. players scored in double figures. Guard Nanami Seki (171-2000) responded with 13 points and forward Ririka Okuyama (180-2000) scored 12 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Toyota A. have an impressive 13-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-0 record. Hitachi Cougars at the other side keep the eighth place with eight games lost. Toyota A.'s supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Nagoya Mitsubishi K..
Top scorers:
Hitachi Cougars: S.Nanami 13+3reb+1ast, R.Okuyama 12+2reb+1ast, O.Saori 12, M.Honoka 7+4reb+4ast, A.Hoshi 6+5reb, M.Daramee 5+2reb
Toyota A.: M.Yamamoto 20+4reb+1ast, K.Umezawa 18+9reb, S.Sylla 17+7reb+1ast, A.Hirashita 15+4reb+3ast, S.Yasuma 11+7reb+6ast, K.Miyashita 9+3reb+3ast

Niigata R. - Eneos S. 49-81

Everything went according to plan in Tokyo where fourth ranked Eneos S. (12-2) outscored bottom-ranked Niigata R. (1-13) 81-49 on Sunday. Eneos S. had a 36-24 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was the former international center Tamami Nakada (182-1997) who scored 15 points and 6 rebounds. The former international power forward Ramu Tokashiki (193-1991) chipped in 6 points and 13 rebounds. Center Yumi Yano (180-1997) produced 18 points and swingman Akari Honda (177-2000) added 8 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. 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. Eneos S. have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion moved-up to third place, which they share with Fujitsu RW. Niigata R. lost sixth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 13 games lost. Eneos S. will meet at home Aishin AW (#7) in the next round. Niigata R. will play against Himeji E. (#13) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Niigata R.: Y.Yumi 18+4reb+1ast, H.Akari 8+7reb+1ast, K.Miyu 8+3reb, K.Naomi 7+4reb, K.Akira 4+5reb, S.Natsuho 4+5reb+5ast
Eneos S.: T.Nakada 15+6reb, A.Hoshi 12+2reb, S.Nana 9+9reb, M.Nagaoka 8+4reb+3ast, S.Takada 8+1reb+1ast, S.Okamoto 6+3reb+2ast