In the international training match for the Japanese women’s basketball team in preparation for the Paris Olympics (held on the 21st at Kita-Kitaeru in Sapporo), Japan (ranked 9th in the world) defeated Australia (ranked 3rd) 95-87, achieving their second consecutive victory. Both were victories by over 90 points, including the first match on the 20th.

Images in this article (13 images)

Early in the first quarter, Stephanie Maugu (CASADEMONT ZARAGOZA), the younger sister of Evelyn Maugu (DENSO), made three shots including a three-pointer, and throughout the game, even players who had not stood out in the first game performed well, showing the power of the Japanese team with “everyone playing basketball.” Saori Miyazaki (ENEOS) put intense pressure on the opponents, and Saki Hayashi (Fujitsu) scored points with a steal, showcasing speedy play that embodied coach Toru Onzuka’s concept of “a group of shooters who run to win.”

There were many plays that captivated the crowd, such as Yoshida Asami (Aisin) showing off her skill by sending an exquisite pass behind the opposing player and assisting Miyazawa Yuki (Fujitsu) with a shot, and the game ended with Japan leading 27-19.

In the second quarter, there were many fouls, but Hayashi responded positively to loose balls and rebounds, Nanako Toudou (Toyota Boseki), a local Sapporo native, made a three-point shot, Rui Machida (Fujitsu) made a brilliant assist, Evelyn made a shot, and Sakura Noguchi (Aisin), the only one who did not play in the first game, also made a shot, and each player was dynamic. It was a great opportunity to appeal for the final selection of Olympic participants, and the first half ended with a score of 50-43.

In the third quarter, W-League Playoff MVP Miyazawa made two three-point shots, and each player made a burst of three-point shots. Evelyn also made a three-point shot, but also drove in at key moments to score, showing her presence as a player who supports the team.

In the fourth quarter, Yamamoto made a brilliant deep three (a shot from farther than the three-point line) that excited the crowd. Here again, each player scored points, and Japan’s strength of being able to score points was demonstrated, leading to a 95-87 victory.

Foul trouble emerges as a “challenge” but will be a “growth factor” for the Paris Olympics

The problem from the first match on the 20th, where the opponents were taking shots when not on guard, was improved on considerably. However, while the speedy and intense pressure that is typical of Japan stood out, on the other hand, new problems also emerged, such as many fouls and many free throws being made. The training match could be seen as an opportunity to identify and overcome problems, giving the team “material for growth” before the Paris Olympics.

The next match against New Zealand, ranked 26th in the world, will be held on July 4th and 6th at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

Fuji Television will broadcast live the Japan vs. New Zealand women’s national team match from 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th.