Preview: Denso Iris at Toyota Antelopes, Game 2 - Japan Women’s Professional Basketball Playoffs

NAGOYA, Japan (Interstat) — The Toyota Antelopes look to even their playoff series on their home court Sunday when they host the Denso Iris in Game 2 of their Japan women’s professional basketball postseason matchup.

The series shifted dramatically Saturday, with the visiting Iris stealing home-court advantage via a 69-59 victory. That result tightened a best-of-three series that the Antelopes, the higher seed, entered as favorites.

Toyota, which finished the regular season 24-8 across all competitions, had controlled the recent narrative against Denso (22-12), including a dominant 57-41 win last Sunday. However, the Iris responded emphatically behind veteran center Maki Takada, who scored 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the Game 1 upset.

Takada has been a bellwether for Denso. In their three wins over Toyota this season, she averaged 24.7 points. In their three losses to the Antelopes, she averaged just 8.3 points. Containing her will be paramount for the Antelopes’ defense.

The focal point for Toyota remains center Amaka Okonkwo, who recorded a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double in the Game 1 loss. It continued a remarkable streak of rebounding dominance; Okonkwo has hauled in at least 15 boards in four of her last six games, including a 19-rebound performance on March 30.

The backcourt battle will also be critical. Denso’s Mai Kawai dished out nine assists in the series opener, while Toyota’s Shiori Yasuma matched that assist total. The Antelopes will need more scoring support beyond Okonkwo and guard Miyu Okamoto, who had 15 points Saturday.

History shows this rivalry is defined by swings. The teams have split their last six meetings, with the road team winning four times. The Antelopes’ season-long consistency is now tested by the pressure of a must-win Game 2 at home to avoid a surprising first-round exit.

Tip-off is set for Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Nagoya.