WJBL Round 25 of Regular Season

There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in WJBL. Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

Round 25 most important game was a victory of Aishin AW over 8th ranked Hitachi Cougars 87-56 on Saturday night. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Hitachi Cougars. Aishin AW forced 19 Hitachi Cougars turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international Sakura Noguchi (181-2001) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 6 rebounds. point guard CaiDeng Sakai (164-1995) contributed with 5 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists for the winners. Senegalese center Daramee Malem-Doi (187-1997) answered with 14 points and 7 rebounds for Hitachi Cougars. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Aishin AW maintains seventh place with 12-12 record. Hitachi Cougars at the other side keep the eighth position with 13 games lost. Aishin AW will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hitachi Cougars will play again at home against Aishin AW (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Eneos S. (21-4) against fourth ranked Toyota A. (21-3) on Saturday night. Visiting Eneos S. was defeated by Toyota A. in Nagoya 75-62. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The former international point guard Shiori Yasuma (161-1994) stepped up and scored 21 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and Aika Hirashita chipped in 9 points and 6 rebounds. At the losing side the former international power forward Ramu Tokashiki (193-1991) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. Toyota A. moved-up to second place, which they share with Denso I. Defending champion Eneos S. dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. Toyota A. will again play against Eneos S. (#4) in Kashiwa in the next round. Eneos S. will have a break next round.
WJBL top team - Fujitsu RW (22-3) added another victory to their record on Saturday. This time they beat fifth ranked Chanson V-M (17-7) in Kawasaki 64-59. Joshuana von Novon nailed a double-double by scoring 10 points and 17 rebounds for the winning side. Izoje Uche came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 18 rebounds for Chanson V-M in the defeat. Chanson V-M's coach Jun Uzawa rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Fujitsu RW have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain first place with 22-3 record. Loser Chanson V-M keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Fujitsu RW will again meet at home Chanson V-M (#5) in the next round. Chanson V-M will have a break next round.

Other games in round 25 were not that significant. Bottom-ranked Himeji E. was smashed by Denso I. on the road 85-50. Aranmare lost to Mitsubishi K. on its own court 69-70. Niigata R. was outscored by Toyota BSR in Aichi 66-104. Haneda V. recorded a loss to Yamanashi QB at home 50-52.
The most impressive performance of 25th round was 5 points and 9 rebounds by Miwa Kuribayashi 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.

Denso I. - Himeji E. 85-50

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Denso I. (21-3) crushed bottom-ranked Himeji E. (3-21) in Kariya 85-50 on Saturday. Denso I. made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Denso I. outrebounded Himeji E. 49-29 including 20 on the offensive glass. Denso I. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Himeji E.'s players. The former international center Sakura Akaho (184-1996) nailed 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and the former international power forward Evelyn Mawuli (180-1995) accounted for 10 points and 5 rebounds. Point guard Aoi Ishimaki (165-2000) came up with 18 points and point guard Saori Yoshida (158-1984) added 8 points respectively for Himeji E. in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Denso I. moved-up to second place, which they share with Toyota A. Himeji E. lost tenth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 21 lost games. Denso I. will again meet at home bottom-ranked Himeji E. (#14) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Himeji E. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Himeji E.: I.Aoi 18+2reb+2ast, S.Yoshida 8+4reb+1ast, K.Yume 8+1reb, M.Wenwu 7+1reb+2ast, T.Kana 5+2reb, E.Maho 4+4reb+2ast
Denso I.: S.Akaho 15+9reb+1ast, M.Takada 11+4reb+2ast, E.Mawuli 10+5reb+3ast, D.Bai 8+6reb, H.Shinohara 8+4reb, W.Yuri 7+2ast

Hitachi Cougars - Aishin AW 56-87

Round 25 most important game was a victory of Aishin AW over 8th ranked Hitachi Cougars 87-56 on Saturday night. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Hitachi Cougars. Aishin AW forced 19 Hitachi Cougars turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international Sakura Noguchi (181-2001) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 6 rebounds. Point guard CaiDeng Sakai (164-1995) contributed with 5 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists for the winners. Senegalese center Daramee Malem-Doi (187-1997) answered with 14 points and 7 rebounds and point guard Hoshi Aka (170-1995) added 12 points in the effort for Hitachi Cougars. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Aishin AW maintains seventh place with 12-12 record. Hitachi Cougars at the other side keep the eighth position with 13 games lost. Aishin AW will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hitachi Cougars will play again at home against Aishin AW (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hitachi Cougars: M.Daramee 14+7reb+1ast, A.Hoshi 12+4reb+3ast, O.Saori 8+4reb+1ast, R.Okuyama 8+6reb+1ast, N.Yuki 5+2reb, K.Mayu 5+2reb+2ast
Aishin AW: S.Noguchi 18+6reb+3ast, U.Misa 17+2reb+4ast, Y.Nanaka 14+2reb, J.Mineharu 8+3reb+1ast, U.Ayaka 8+3reb+1ast, K.Kyo 7+1ast

Aranmare A. - Mitsubishi K. 69-70

Rather expected game when 12th ranked Aranmare (4-20) was edged by ninth ranked Mitsubishi K. (9-16) in Akita 70-69 on Saturday. Mitsubishi K. forced 19 Aranmare turnovers. Strangely Aranmare outrebounded Mitsubishi K. 45-29 including a 23-11 advantage in offensive rebounds. The former international Aya Watanabe (168-1992) nailed 6 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and point guard Haruna Kasagi (167-1999) accounted for 14 points. Center Niang Kumba (190-1999) came up with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 15 rebounds and guard Asuka Hiramatsu (162-1994) added 12 points respectively for Aranmare in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Mitsubishi K. have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain ninth place with 9-16 record. Aranmare lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 20 games lost. Mitsubishi K. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Aranmare will play again against Mitsubishi K. (#9) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Aranmare A.: A.Hiramatsu 12+3reb+3ast, A.Kitagawa 11+4reb+1ast, K.Niang 10+15reb, S.Kyoka 9+3reb+3ast, T.Yuka 9, S.Chihiro 8+3reb+1ast
Mitsubishi K.: H.Kasagi 14+1reb+1ast, N.Haruno 13+1reb+2ast, T.Nisbet 10+3reb+1ast, F.Nodoka 8+2reb+2ast, Y.Kosuge 8+5reb+1ast, A.Watanabe 6+7reb+5ast

Fujitsu RW - Chanson V-M 64-59

WJBL top team - Fujitsu RW (22-3) added another victory to their record on Saturday. This time they beat fifth ranked Chanson V-M (17-7) in Kawasaki 64-59. Nigerian center Joshuana von Novon (190-1999) nailed a double-double by scoring 10 points and 17 rebounds for the winning side and the former international point guard Rui Machida (162-1993) accounted for 6 points, 8 rebounds and 12 assists. Four Fujitsu RW players scored in double figures. The former international center Izoje Uche (188-2004) came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 18 rebounds and the former international Minami Shirasaki (166-1996) added 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Chanson V-M in the defeat. Chanson V-M's coach Jun Uzawa rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Fujitsu RW have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain first place with 22-3 record. Loser Chanson V-M keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Fujitsu RW will again meet at home Chanson V-M (#5) in the next round. Chanson V-M will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Chanson V-M: U.Izoje 17+18reb+1ast, S.Minami 15+5reb+5ast, H.Kuke 9+3reb+4ast, H.Takano 6+4reb+1ast, S.Yurika 4+5reb+1ast, K.Aina 3+6reb+1ast
Fujitsu RW: Y.Miyazawa 14+11reb+1ast, S.Hayashi 12+2reb+4ast, R.Akagi 11+3reb+1ast, v.Novon Joshuana 10+17reb, R.Machida 6+8reb+12ast, Y.Nakamura 6

Toyota A. - Eneos S. 75-62

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Eneos S. (21-4) against fourth ranked Toyota A. (21-3) on Saturday night. Visiting Eneos S. was defeated by Toyota A. in Nagoya 75-62. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The former international point guard Shiori Yasuma (161-1994) stepped up and scored 21 points and 5 rebounds for the winners and international center Aika Hirashita (177-2002) chipped in 9 points and 6 rebounds. Four Toyota A. players scored in double figures. At the losing side the former international power forward Ramu Tokashiki (193-1991) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds and the former international Saori Miyazaki (167-1995) scored 10 points and 6 assists. Toyota A. moved-up to second place, which they share with Denso I. Defending champion Eneos S. dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. Toyota A. will again play against Eneos S. (#4) in Kashiwa in the next round. Eneos S. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Eneos S.: R.Tokashiki 16+11reb+1ast, M.Nagaoka 14+2reb+1ast, S.Miyazaki 10+3reb+6ast, S.Okamoto 9+1reb, S.Nana 7+3reb, T.Nakada 6+2reb
Toyota A.: S.Yasuma 21+5reb+2ast, S.Sylla 11+7reb, K.Umezawa 10+6reb, M.Yamamoto 10+2reb+3ast, A.Hirashita 9+6reb+3ast, K.Miyashita 7+4reb+2ast

Toyota BSR - Niigata R. 104-66

Very predictable result when sixth ranked Toyota BSR (14-11) rolled over 13th ranked Niigata R. (4-21) in Aichi 104-66 on Saturday. Toyota BSR dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Niigata R.'s 34. They outrebounded Niigata R. 48-32 including a 29-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Toyota BSR looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Niigata R.'s players. Center Jessica Wariebimo (188-2005) nailed a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!) for the winning side and point guard Nanami Tsuno (158-2004) accounted for 10 points and 8 assists. Four Toyota BSR players scored in double figures. Guard Nakamura Hana (172-2003) came up with 18 points and 8 rebounds and center Yumi Yano (180-1997) added 7 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Niigata R. in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Toyota BSR maintains sixth place with 14-11 record. Niigata R. lost their third game in a row. They keep the thirteenth position with 21 games lost. Toyota BSR will again meet at home Niigata R. (#13) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Niigata R. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Niigata R.: H.Nakamura 18+8reb+2ast, K.Miyu 11+1reb+2ast, K.Akira 8+2reb+1ast, K.Naomi 8+5reb+1ast, Y.Yumi 7+6reb+1ast, S.Yukina 7+1reb+1ast
Toyota BSR: W.Jessica 20+10reb, I.Misora 12+2reb+4ast, M.Kawamura 12+3reb+1ast, T.Nanami 10+1reb+8ast, H.Yuki 9+2reb+2ast, T.Nanako 9+6reb+1ast

Haneda V. - Yamanashi QB 50-52

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 10th ranked Haneda V. (7-18) was edged by eleventh ranked Yamanashi QB (5-19) in Tokyo 52-50 on Saturday. Point guard Inoue Momoko (170-1997) nailed 11 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side and forward Aimi Wakahara (171-1996) accounted for 10 points. Center Miwa Kuribayashi (188-1998) came up with 5 points and 9 rebounds and Haruki Takahara (175-1999) added 8 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Haneda V. in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Yamanashi QB maintains eleventh place with 5-19 record. Loser Haneda V. keeps the tenth position with 18 games lost. Yamanashi QB will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Haneda V. will play again against Yamanashi QB (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Haneda V.: N.Motohashi 9+1ast, H.Takahara 8+6reb, C.Ayumi 8+4reb+1ast, M.Kuribayashi 5+9reb+2ast, J.Hikaru 5+3reb+1ast, Y.Tsumura 4+1reb+1ast
Yamanashi QB: M.Inoue 11+5reb+1ast, W.Aimi 10+4reb+1ast, A.Watanabe 8+1reb, H.Nanami 7+2reb+3ast, K.Niandi 7+3reb, M.Miyasaka 3+5reb+4ast