WJBL Round 15 (Regular Season): Hitachi Cougars edge Toyota BSR by two points

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The most exciting game of round 15 in the WJBL took place in Hitachinaka. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked Toyota BSR (10-6) to eighth ranked Hitachi Cougars (6-9) 62-60 on Saturday evening. Hitachi Cougars looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was Senegalese center Daramee Malem-Doi (187-1997) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Ririka Okuyama (180-2000) chipped in 17 points and 10 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was point guard Miki Sakamoto (164-1994) who recorded 13 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Hitachi Cougars moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Aishin AW. Toyota BSR at the other side keeps the sixth position with six games lost. Hitachi Cougars is again looking forward to face higher ranked Toyota BSR (#6) in Aichi in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Toyota BSR will have a break next round.
Undefeated leader Toyota A. delivered the fifteenth consecutive victory. This time they beat 9th ranked Mitsubishi K. (4-12) 66-57 in Nagoya. It was a good game for Senegalese center Sokhna Sylla (200-1997) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds. Mai Kawai contributed with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The former international Aya Watanabe (168-1992) answered with 12 points for Mitsubishi K.Undefeated Toyota A. (15-0) have an impressive series of fifteen victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 15 victories in a row. Mitsubishi K. lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 12 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 with biggest result difference took place in Tokyo. Local Haneda V. (3-13) was outscored by second ranked Denso I. (14-1) 63-38 on Saturday night. Worth to mention a quality performance of Maki Takada who helped to win the game recording 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. The best for the losing side was Nanoko Motohashi with 9 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. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Denso I.. They maintain second place with 14-1 record behind leader Toyota A. Loser Haneda V. dropped to the twelfth position with 13 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Other games of round 15 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Denso I. defeated Haneda V. in Kariya 64-46. Himeji E. beat Niigata R. at home 87-69. Chanson V-M destroyed Yamanashi QB on the opponent's court 97-77. Aranmare was outscored by Fujitsu RW in a home game 56-75. Aishin AW recorded a loss to Eneos S. on the road 87-81.

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.

Haneda V. - Denso I. 46-64

There was no surprise in Tokyo where 11th ranked Haneda V. (3-13) was defeated by second ranked Denso I. (14-1) 64-46 on Friday. Denso I. had a 26-11 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great evening for the former international Akaho Himawari (185-1998) who led her team to a victory scoring 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. The former international forward Minami Yabu (178-2004) helped adding 10 points and 6 assists. The best for the losing side was Haruki Takahara (175-1999) with 8 points and 5 rebounds and guard Yuriko Tsumura (172-1995) scored 6 points. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Denso I.. They maintain second place with 14-1 record behind leader Toyota A. Loser Haneda V. dropped to the twelfth position with 13 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Haneda V.: A.Sae 8+2reb, H.Takahara 8+5reb, Y.Tsumura 6+4reb+2ast, H.Kabashima 5+4reb+1ast, M.Mirei 5+4reb, C.Ayumi 4+2reb
Denso I.: A.Himawari 22+8reb+1ast, M.Takada 12+4reb+2ast, Y.Minami 10+4reb+6ast, S.Motokawa 7+1reb+4ast, S.Akaho 7+5reb+1ast, W.Yuri 2+7reb+1ast

Himeji E. - Niigata R. 87-69

No shocking result in a game when eleventh ranked Himeji E. (3-12) defeated at home bottom-ranked Niigata R. (2-14) 87-69 on Saturday. Himeji E. forced 20 Niigata R. turnovers. It was a great evening for point guard Aoi Ishimaki (165-2000) who led her team to a victory scoring 26 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Guard Maho Endo (172-2000) helped adding 19 points and 10 rebounds. The best for the losing side was forward Nishitarumizu Misakura (170-1998) with 15 points and 8 rebounds and swingman Akari Honda (177-2000) scored 15 points and 9 rebounds. Four Niigata R. players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Himeji E. moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Aranmare. Niigata R. lost their seventh game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with 14 games lost. Himeji E. will again meet at home bottom-ranked Niigata R. (#14) in the next round. Niigata R. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Niigata R.: H.Akari 15+9reb, M.Nishitarumizu 15+8reb+2ast, K.Miyu 12+5reb+1ast, K.Akira 11+3reb+6ast, Y.Yumi 8+8reb+1ast, S.Natsuho 3+3reb
Himeji E.: I.Aoi 26+7reb+5ast, E.Maho 19+10reb+3ast, H.Shiori 11+3reb, M.Wenwu 9+5reb+1ast, S.Yoshida 7+5reb+3ast, M.Momoka 7+1reb+1ast

Hitachi Cougars - Toyota BSR 62-60

The most exciting game of round 15 in the WJBL took place in Hitachinaka. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked Toyota BSR (10-6) to eighth ranked Hitachi Cougars (6-9) 62-60 on Saturday evening. Hitachi Cougars looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was Senegalese center Daramee Malem-Doi (187-1997) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Ririka Okuyama (180-2000) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was point guard Miki Sakamoto (164-1994) who recorded 13 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists and international Nanako Todo (175-2000) added 16 points and 4 steals respectively. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Hitachi Cougars moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Aishin AW. Toyota BSR at the other side keeps the sixth position with six games lost. Hitachi Cougars is again looking forward to face higher ranked Toyota BSR (#6) in Aichi in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Toyota BSR will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Toyota BSR: T.Nanako 16+3reb, M.Sakamoto 13+9reb+6ast, M.Kawamura 11+6reb, T.Nanami 5+1reb, H.Asuka 4+2ast, E.Odobo 4+3reb+1ast
Hitachi Cougars: M.Daramee 24+12reb+4ast, R.Okuyama 17+10reb+1ast, S.Nanami 11+3reb+2ast, S.Ikuri 7+4reb+10ast, K.Mayu 3+1reb, M.Honoka 0

Yamanashi QB - Chanson V-M 77-97

Very expected game when 13th ranked Yamanashi QB (2-13) was rolled over at home by fifth ranked Chanson V-M (12-3) 97-77 on Saturday. Chanson V-M dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Yamanashi QB's 36. They outrebounded Yamanashi QB 51-35 including a 26-14 advantage in offensive rebounds. Chanson V-M looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was a great evening for the former international center Izoje Uche (188-2004) who led her team to a victory scoring 20 points and 9 rebounds. The former international Minami Shirasaki (166-1996) helped adding 20 points and 6 assists. Four Chanson V-M players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was point guard Inoue Momoko (170-1997) with 12 points and 7 rebounds and point guard Momo Miyasaka (163-1994) scored 10 points and 6 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for Chanson V-M. They maintain fifth place with 12-3 record. Yamanashi QB lost their ninth game in a row. They keep the thirteenth position with 13 games lost. Chanson V-M will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Yamanashi QB will play again against Chanson V-M (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yamanashi QB: M.Inoue 12+7reb+2ast, T.Airi 10+1reb, M.Miyasaka 10+4reb+6ast, T.Honoka 9+2reb+4ast, A.Watanabe 9+3reb, A.Kaur 8+2reb+1ast
Chanson V-M: K.Aina 22+6reb+1ast, S.Minami 20+4reb+6ast, U.Izoje 20+9reb+2ast, I.Hashiguchi 11+5reb, H.Takano 7+1reb+2ast, H.Kuke 5+4reb+10ast

Aranmare A. - Fujitsu RW 56-75

Very predictable result in Akita where third ranked Fujitsu RW (14-2) outscored 10th ranked Aranmare (3-12) 75-56 on Saturday. It was a great evening for the former international power forward Yunika Nakamura (178-1995) who led her team to a victory scoring 14 points. The former international forward Yuki Miyazawa (183-1993, college: Queens, NY) helped adding 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was swingman Kyoka Sato (174-1998) with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds and the former international center Mutya Mori (180-1988) scored 10 points. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Fujitsu RW. They maintain third place with 14-2 record behind leader Toyota A., which they share with Eneos S. Aranmare lost their eighth game in a row. They keep the tenth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Himeji E.. Fujitsu RW will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Aranmare will play again against Fujitsu RW (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Aranmare A.: S.Kyoka 11+11reb, S.Chihiro 11+5reb, M.Mori 10+4reb+3ast, K.Yui 7+2reb, K.Niang 6+4reb, T.Yuka 3+3reb+1ast
Fujitsu RW: Y.Nakamura 14+3reb+3ast, E.Moeka 13+4reb+2ast, U.Akina 12+3reb+3ast, Y.Miyazawa 9+7reb+4ast, F.Aki 8+6reb+1ast, I.Karin 7+1reb+2ast

Toyota A. - Mitsubishi K. 66-57

Undefeated leader Toyota A. delivered the fifteenth consecutive victory. This time they beat 9th ranked Mitsubishi K. (4-12) 66-57 in Nagoya. It was a good game for Senegalese center Sokhna Sylla (200-1997) who led her team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds. The former international point guard Mai Kawai (171-1996) contributed with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The former international Aya Watanabe (168-1992) answered with 12 points and center Rui Sanma (185-1999) added 12 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) in the effort for Mitsubishi K.Toyota A. (15-0) have an impressive series of fifteen victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 15 victories in a row. Mitsubishi K. lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth position with 12 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:
Mitsubishi K.: R.Sanma 12+2reb+2ast, A.Watanabe 12+3reb+2ast, N.Haruno 10+2reb+1ast, N.Yuina 6+3reb+1ast, F.Nodoka 5+3reb+3ast, H.Kasagi 4+4reb+1ast
Toyota A.: S.Sylla 16+12reb, K.Miyashita 10+2reb+5ast, M.Kawai 10+7reb+4ast, M.Yamamoto 9+6reb+1ast, S.Yasuma 8+3ast, A.Hirashita 6+3reb+1ast

Eneos S. - Aishin AW 87-81

Not a big story in a game in Kashiwa where 7th ranked Aishin AW (6-9) was defeated by fourth ranked Eneos S. (14-2) 87-81 on Saturday. It was a great evening for the former international power forward Ramu Tokashiki (193-1991) who led her team to a victory scoring 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international Saori Miyazaki (167-1995) helped adding 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Eneos S. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Sakura Noguchi (181-2001) with 16 points and 7 rebounds and Saki Iijima (173-1992) scored 17 points and 5 rebounds. Aishin AW's coach Hideki Umezaki rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Eneos S.. Defending champion moved-up to third place, which they share with Fujitsu RW. Aishin AW lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the seventh position with nine games lost. They share it with Hitachi Cougars. Eneos S. will again meet at home Aishin AW (#7) in the next round. Aishin AW will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Aishin AW: S.Iijima 17+5reb+2ast, S.Noguchi 16+7reb+2ast, U.Misa 14+1reb+1ast, A.Sanbu 8+8reb+1ast, A.Yoshida 6+1reb+3ast, C.Sakai 5+3reb+3ast
Eneos S.: R.Tokashiki 17+8reb+4ast, A.Hoshi 17+3reb+3ast, S.Nana 15+9reb, S.Miyazaki 13+8reb+5ast, S.Yuka 7+2reb+1ast, T.Nakada 7+3reb

Haneda V. - Denso I. 38-63

The game with biggest result difference took place in Tokyo. Local Haneda V. (3-13) was outscored by second ranked Denso I. (14-1) 63-38 on Saturday night. Denso I. outrebounded Haneda V. 49-37 including 20 on the offensive glass. Worth to mention a quality performance of the former international center Maki Takada (185-1989) who helped to win the game recording 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international Akaho Himawari (185-1998) helped adding 6 points and 8 rebounds. The best for the losing side was the former international guard Nanoko Motohashi (164-1993) with 9 points and Haruki Takahara (175-1999) scored 11 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. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Denso I.. They maintain second place with 14-1 record behind leader Toyota A. Loser Haneda V. dropped to the twelfth position with 13 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Haneda V.: H.Takahara 11+1reb, N.Motohashi 9+1reb+2ast, A.Sae 5+4reb, M.Kuribayashi 3+6reb+1ast, H.Kabashima 3+3reb+1ast, H.Makoto 3+2reb+1ast
Denso I.: M.Takada 14+5reb+5ast, Y.Minami 13+1reb+1ast, A.Kimura 7+3reb+1ast, W.Yuri 7+2reb+1ast, A.Himawari 6+8reb+1ast, S.Motokawa 5+3reb+2ast