Aranmare Akita lost to Chanson Cosmetics 69-85, and the “yellow light” was lit for the playoff (PO) advance to the top eight. Kitagawa Airi (24) scored 20 points, the most for both teams, including 4 3-point shots (3P), and 3 steals, but the team suffered 3 consecutive losses. Next week, on the 11th and 12th, they will play against Toyota Boshoku in the last home match of the season.

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Kitagawa, who was held down to 4 points in the first match on the 4th, attacked boldly in the big game, saying, “I was able to do paint attacks and shoot aggressively compared to yesterday.” He found space in the first quarter, drove, scored 3-pointers from outside, and inspired his teammates. He persevered with aggressive defense and zone defense that pressed from the opposing half, entering the second half of the game with a 6-point lead.

Still, the goddess of victory did not smile. She was 53-53 at the end of the 3rd quarter, and she was overtaken by 4 consecutive points from 3P of Japan representative Mai Yoshida (24), and 9 points behind with 3 minutes and 30 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter. However, she couldn’t take rebounds or loose balls in the game, and she gave up consecutive points on the inside that made the most of her height. Head Coach Yuji Kojima (HC, 55) said, “We lost between offense and defense. The players did their best, but I was keenly aware of the naivety of my own daily practice.” took responsibility.

On this day, Fujitsu and Chanson Cosmetics decided to advance to the PO, leaving only one slot. Hitachi High-Tech, ranked 8th in the PO area, will play Himeji and Niigata in the remaining 4 games. On the other hand, 9th place Aranmare Akita, who is 2 wins behind, is a high-ranking opponent such as Toyota Boshoku and Fujitsu. HC Kojima said, “Of course, I’m aiming for PO, but it’s very important to win the game in front of me. I want to do what I have to do and win,” he vowed to win.[Koji Aizawa]