WJBL Round 21 of Regular Season

The Regular Season in WJBL is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 5 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The biggest surprise of round 21 took place in Nagoya where guest Denso I. (#1) crushed lower ranked Toyota A. (#2) by 26 points 72-46 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Toyota A.. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The best player for the winners was the former international center Maki Takada (185-1989) who scored 29 points. The former international Akaho Himawari (185-1998) chipped in 17 points and 17 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international Kiho Miyashita (178-1998) who recorded 15 points. Toyota A.'s coach Yuko Ogami gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Denso I. (19-1) have an impressive series of eleven victories in a row. They maintain first place. Toyota A. at the other side dropped to the third position with two games lost. Denso I. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Toyota A. will play again at home against the league's leader Denso I. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Yamanashi QB managed to get a third victory, breaking the series of four consecutive losses. This time they outleveled thirteenth-ranked Niigata R. 93-72. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 21-point difference proves that Yamanashi QB was well-prepared to that game. It was a good game for point guard Saki Ikeda (158-2001) who led her team to a victory with 13 points and 5 assists. Inoue Momoko contributed with 11 points for the winners. point guard Miyu Kawamura (170-1998) answered with 19 points and 7 steals for Niigata R.The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Yamanashi QB (3-17) moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Himeji E. Niigata R. at the other side dropped to the bottom position with 18 games lost. Yamanashi QB will again play against bottom-ranked Niigata R. (#14) in Tokyo in the next round. Niigata R. will have a break next round.
The game in Aichi was also quite interesting. 5th ranked Chanson V-M (15-5) played at the court of sixth ranked Toyota BSR (13-8). Toyota BSR managed to secure a 7-point victory 92-85 on Saturday. Nanami Tsuno stepped up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 assists for the winners. The best for the losing side was Izoje Uche with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Toyota BSR maintains sixth place with 13-8 record. Loser Chanson V-M keeps the fifth position with five games lost. Toyota BSR will again meet at home higher ranked Chanson V-M (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Chanson V-M will have a break next round.

Other games of round 21 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Aishin AW crushed Aranmare in Anjo 82-62. Hitachi Cougars were smashed by Fujitsu RW at home 60-83. Eneos S. won against Mitsubishi K. on the opponent's court 76-58. Haneda V. outscored Himeji E. in a home game 87-66.
The best stats of 21th round was 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists by Nanoko Motohashi of Haneda V..

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.

Toyota BSR - Chanson V-M 92-85

The game in Aichi was also quite interesting. 5th ranked Chanson V-M (15-5) played at the court of sixth ranked Toyota BSR (13-8). Toyota BSR managed to secure a 7-point victory 92-85 on Saturday. Toyota BSR made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Point guard Nanami Tsuno (158-2004) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 assists for the winners and guard Asuka Hirasue (165-1998) chipped in 21 points. Four Toyota BSR players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was the former international center Izoje Uche (188-2004) with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds and swingman Takano Hashikouta (168-1995) scored 21 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Toyota BSR maintains sixth place with 13-8 record. Loser Chanson V-M keeps the fifth position with five games lost. Toyota BSR will again meet at home higher ranked Chanson V-M (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Chanson V-M will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Toyota BSR: H.Asuka 21+2reb+2ast, T.Nanako 17+3reb+3ast, T.Nanami 15+4reb+10ast, Y.Kitamura 15+4reb+4ast, M.Kawamura 7+2reb+1ast, S.Asami 4+2ast
Chanson V-M: U.Izoje 24+13reb+1ast, H.Takano 21+1reb+1ast, S.Yurika 12+4reb+1ast, S.Minami 8+3reb+4ast, K.Aina 6+3reb+1ast, H.Kuke 4+3reb+6ast

Yamanashi QB - Niigata R. 93-72

Bottom-ranked Yamanashi QB managed to get a third victory, breaking the series of four consecutive losses. This time they outleveled thirteenth-ranked Niigata R. 93-72. It's especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 21-point difference proves that Yamanashi QB was well-prepared to that game. They dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Niigata R.'s 32 and made 17-of-20 charity shots (85.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Niigata R. 45-25 including a 27-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. Yamanashi QB players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Niigata R.'s players. It was a good game for point guard Saki Ikeda (158-2001) who led her team to a victory with 13 points and 5 assists. Point guard Inoue Momoko (170-1997) contributed with 11 points for the winners. Point guard Miyu Kawamura (170-1998) answered with 19 points and 7 steals and forward Nishitarumizu Misakura (170-1998) added 15 points in the effort for Niigata R.The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Yamanashi QB (3-17) moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Himeji E. Niigata R. at the other side dropped to the bottom position with 18 games lost. Yamanashi QB will again play against bottom-ranked Niigata R. (#14) in Tokyo in the next round. Niigata R. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Yamanashi QB: I.Saki 13+2reb+5ast, M.Inoue 11+3reb+1ast, I.Asuka 9+3reb, T.Airi 9+5reb, A.Watanabe 8+2reb, K.Hinako 8+2reb
Niigata R.: K.Miyu 19+2reb+2ast, M.Nishitarumizu 15+2reb+1ast, K.Akira 12+1reb+2ast, H.Nakamura 9+1reb, S.Natsuho 8+4reb+1ast, S.Yukina 4+1reb+1ast

Aranmare A. - Aishin AW 62-82

There was no surprise in Akita where 10th ranked Aranmare (4-16) was crushed by eighth ranked Aishin AW (9-11) 82-62 on Saturday. Aishin AW dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Aranmare A.'s 24. They outrebounded Aranmare 50-31 including 19 on the offensive glass. Aishin AW looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The former international Sakura Noguchi (181-2001) stepped up and scored 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners and point guard CaiDeng Sakai (164-1995) chipped in 10 points and 9 assists. Four Aishin AW players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was center Niang Kumba (190-1999) with 19 points and 7 rebounds and Shiori Higuchi (175-1999) scored 16 points and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the third consecutive win for Aishin AW. They moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Hitachi Cougars. Loser Aranmare A. keeps the tenth position with 16 games lost. Aishin AW will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Aranmare will play again against Aishin AW (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Aishin AW: U.Misa 18+1reb+3ast, S.Noguchi 12+9reb+4ast, U.Ayaka 12+7reb+2ast, C.Sakai 10+4reb+9ast, J.Mineharu 8+5reb, Y.Nanaka 8+1reb
Aranmare A.: K.Niang 19+7reb, H.Shiori 16+2reb+4ast, S.Kyoka 12+2reb+3ast, A.Hiramatsu 5+4reb+3ast, T.Yuka 4+3reb, A.Kitagawa 3+7reb+1ast

Hitachi Cougars - Fujitsu RW 60-83

No shocking result in a game in Hitachinaka where fourth ranked Fujitsu RW (18-3) smashed 7th ranked Hitachi Cougars (9-11) 83-60 on Saturday. Fujitsu RW looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Hitachi Cougars' players. The former international forward Yuki Miyazawa (183-1993, college: Queens, NY) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and Nigerian center Joshuana von Novon (190-1999) chipped in 19 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Four Fujitsu RW players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Senegalese center Daramee Malem-Doi (187-1997) with 10 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Hoshi Aka (170-1995) scored 10 points and 7 rebounds. 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. The victory was the third consecutive win for Fujitsu RW. They maintain fourth place with 18-3 record. Loser Hitachi Cougars keep the seventh position with 11 games lost. They share it with Aishin AW. Fujitsu RW will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hitachi Cougars will play again against Fujitsu RW (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Fujitsu RW: v.Novon Joshuana 19+5reb+1ast, Y.Miyazawa 17+10reb+1ast, U.Akina 12+9reb+2ast, R.Machida 11+1reb+12ast, H.Maho 8, F.Aki 6+4reb
Hitachi Cougars: K.Mayu 11+1ast, A.Hoshi 10+7reb, M.Daramee 10+8reb+1ast, N.Yuki 8+4reb, S.Ikuri 7+5reb+4ast, H.Mayu 4+4reb

Toyota A. - Denso I. 46-72

The biggest surprise of round 21 took place in Nagoya where guest Denso I. (#1) crushed lower ranked Toyota A. (#2) by 26 points 72-46 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Toyota A.. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The best player for the winners was the former international center Maki Takada (185-1989) who scored 29 points. The former international Akaho Himawari (185-1998) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 17 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international Kiho Miyashita (178-1998) who recorded 15 points and the former international center Kadysha Umezawa (190-1998) added 6 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Toyota A.'s coach Yuko Ogami gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Denso I. (19-1) have an impressive series of eleven victories in a row. They maintain first place. Toyota A. at the other side dropped to the third position with two games lost. Denso I. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Toyota A. will play again at home against the league's leader Denso I. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Denso I.: M.Takada 29+4reb+3ast, A.Himawari 17+17reb+1ast, S.Motokawa 8+2reb+1ast, E.Mawuli 5+4reb+3ast, A.Kimura 5+2reb+7ast, N.Konno 4+4reb
Toyota A.: K.Miyashita 15+3reb+1ast, T.Ufuoma 6+2reb, S.Sylla 6+5reb, K.Umezawa 6+8reb, O.Yuna 4+1reb+1ast, S.Yasuma 3+4reb+1ast

Mitsubishi K. - Eneos S. 58-76

Very expected game in Nagoya where 9th ranked Mitsubishi K. (6-15) was defeated by third ranked Eneos S. (19-2) 76-58 on Saturday. Eneos S. forced 21 Mitsubishi K. turnovers. The former international power forward Ramu Tokashiki (193-1991) stepped up and scored 31 points and 8 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) for the winners and the former international Saori Miyazaki (167-1995) chipped in 9 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. The best for the losing side was center Chihiro Sawa (178-2004) with 12 points and 9 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) and the former international forward Nemoto Haruno (176-1995) scored 15 points. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. The victory was the tenth consecutive win for Eneos S.. Defending champion moved-up to second place. Mitsubishi K. lost their third game in a row. They keep the ninth position with 15 games lost. Eneos S. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Mitsubishi K. will play again against the league's second-placed Eneos S. (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Eneos S.: R.Tokashiki 31+8reb+1ast, S.Nana 11+2reb, S.Okamoto 11+5reb+5ast, S.Miyazaki 9+6reb+8ast, S.Sayaka 5+2reb, S.Yuka 4
Mitsubishi K.: N.Haruno 15+2reb+3ast, S.Chihiro 12+9reb+1ast, R.Sanma 8+5reb+1ast, Y.Yurin 8+1reb+2ast, A.Watanabe 8+1reb, Y.Kosuge 5+3reb

Haneda V. - Himeji E. 87-66

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Tokyo where twelfth ranked Haneda V. (4-17) outscored 11th ranked Himeji E. (3-17) 87-66 on Saturday. Haneda V. outrebounded Himeji E. 56-28 including a 34-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Haneda V. looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The former international guard Nanoko Motohashi (164-1993) stepped up and scored 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners and center Miwa Kuribayashi (188-1998) chipped in 12 points and 7 rebounds. Five Haneda V. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was point guard Aoi Ishimaki (165-2000) with 13 points and 4 assists and point guard Saori Yoshida (158-1984) scored 15 points. 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. Haneda V. moved-up to eleventh place. Himeji E. lost their sixth game in a row. They dropped to the twelfth position with 17 games lost. They share it with Yamanashi QB. Haneda V. will again meet at home Himeji E. (#13) in the next round. Himeji E. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Haneda V.: M.Mirei 17+1reb, N.Motohashi 15+5reb+6ast, M.Kuribayashi 12+7reb+2ast, C.Ayumi 11+5reb+2ast, N.Mizuno 10+10reb, O.Sayako 6+6reb+1ast
Himeji E.: S.Yoshida 15+2reb+2ast, I.Aoi 13+3reb+4ast, M.Wenwu 10+1reb+3ast, T.Kana 8+3reb+1ast, N.Mirai 7+1reb, W.Momiji 6+7reb+1ast