KARIYA, Japan (Interstat) — The Toy. Antelopes and Denso Iris will meet in a critical Game 2 of their Japan Women’s Professional Basketball playoff series on Sunday, April 5, 2026, with the home side looking to build on a series-opening victory.

The Denso Iris evened the series with a 75-66 win on Saturday at Kariya City Gymnasium. The Antelopes, who hold the superior overall record at 23-7, must now avoid falling into a 2-0 hole against the 21-11 Iris.

The matchup features a compelling duel in the paint between two dominant centers. For Toy., Amaka Okonkwo is coming off a formidable 19-rebound, 13-point performance in the Game 1 loss, continuing a stretch of strong play. Denso’s veteran leader, Maki Takada, countered with a game-high 26 points in the opener, showcasing her scoring prowess.

The teams have split their six meetings this season. While Denso took the most recent contest, Toy. posted a decisive 76-58 road win on Feb. 8. The Antelopes’ backcourt of Mai Yamamoto (17 points, 5 assists in Game 1) and Shiori Yasuma will need to counter the playmaking of Denso’s Ami Kimura, who dished 13 assists Saturday.

The Iris have won three of their last four, while Toy. had a three-game win streak snapped in the series opener. With the series shifting format after Game 2, securing a road split is crucial for the Antelopes, while the Iris aim to defend their home court again and seize control of the best-of series.

Tip-off is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Kariya City Gymnasium.