NAGOYA, Japan (Interstat) — The top-seeded Toy. Antelopes host the Denso Iris in Game 1 of their women’s professional basketball playoff series on Saturday, a matchup defined by recent splits and a marquee post battle.

The Antelopes (24-7), who finished with the league’s best record, earned home-court advantage for the series opener at Nagoya. The Iris (21-12) enter as underdogs but have proven they can win on the road, having taken a 67-66 victory here on Nov. 30.

This series is a rubber match. The teams split their final two regular-season meetings just last weekend. Denso claimed a 75-66 win on April 4 behind 26 points from veteran forward Maki Takada, but the Antelopes responded decisively with a 57-41 road victory on April 5. In that game, Toy. held Takada to 12 points and dominated the glass.

Takada remains the focal point for Denso. Her scoring versatility will be crucial against Toy.’s interior anchor, Amaka Okonkwo. The Antelopes’ center is a relentless rebounder, averaging a double-double in the recent home-and-home set, including a 15-rebound performance in the April 5 win. Containing Okonkwo on the boards will be a primary challenge for the visitors.

Toy. Antelopes guard Mai Yamamoto, who erupted for 22 points and 5 assists in the latest win, provides a potent perimeter threat to complement Okonkwo’s inside presence. Denso will need consistent production beyond Takada, likely from guards Ami Kimura and Haruna Kasagi, to keep pace.

With the series shifting back to Nagoya for Game 2 on Sunday, the Antelopes aim to protect home court and seize early control. The Iris, familiar with the venue, seek to steal a road win and reclaim the momentum they held just a week ago. Tipoff is set for Saturday, April 11.