Suppress Meiji University’s offense and win the close game
In the 17th round of the Kanto University League (League Match), Waseda University, which is on the automatic relegation line, faced Meiji University with their fate at stake. In the first quarter (Q), Waseda University had a hard time getting shots, allowing Meiji University to take the lead. However, in the middle of the second quarter, they used their defense to induce mistakes from their opponents and scored consecutive points to tie the score. They succeeded in making a comeback late in the second quarter, ending the first half with a score of 25-23. The match continued in the second half, but G Kazuyuki Takada (Sho 2 = Kyoto Rakunan) made shots at key points, including a three-pointer, to maintain the lead. Waseda University fought tenaciously until the end, shaking off Meiji University’s pursuit and winning the close game 65-59.
In the first quarter, Waseda University scored six points at the start, giving Meiji University a lead. He then made two three-pointers, making the score 2-15. Waseda University calls for a timeout. F Kenichi Miura (Sports 1 = Kyoto, Rakunan) drove and G Yori Iwaya (Sports 2 = Kyoto, Rakunan) recovered with a basket count, but they were up by 7 points at 11-18 heading into the second quarter. Waseda’s strong defense led to mistakes by the opponent, and G Hori Hiroshi (Sport 2 = Kyoto/Higashiyama) scored consecutive points. Furthermore, G Kido Kenshin (Sports 1 = Fukuoka Daiichi) made a three-pointer to tie the score. Late in the second quarter, when Meiji University’s shot missed, they launched a quick attack and finally succeeded in turning the game around. The score was 25-23 at halftime.
Hori hitting a free throw
The second half began with a three-pointer by G Eiji Shimoyama (Sport 1 = Aichi Chubu Daiichi). However, they made a three-pointer and Meiji University scored consecutive points from there. The tide turned towards Meiji University, but Takada, who was substituted in the middle, sank two three-pointers to break the tide. Furthermore, F Kennobu Hoshikawa (Sport 4 = Kyoto Rakunan) scored a buzzer beater, and the score was 50-46 going into the final 4th quarter. They continued to score points with Hori’s rebounds and Iwaya’s three-pointers, but Meidai also scored with an offense that took advantage of their speed, and the game continued to fluctuate. With less than 5 minutes remaining, Meiji University succeeded in counting the baskets and the lead was one goal, 60-57. Riding the momentum, Meidai tries to tie the game and shoots a three-pointer, but it is deflected by the ring. Hoshikawa quickly scored with his specialty hook shot, and Waseda University maintained the lead. Waseda University, who fought relentlessly until the end, won the match with a score of 65-59.
Iwaya dribbles the ball
Waseda’s lack of shots allowed Meiji to take the lead in the early stages, but they recovered in the second quarter and succeeded in making a comeback. Looking back on the second quarter, which was key, Hori said, “We held out with solid defense and were able to hold back the opponent’s points.” Despite being under pressure, Waseda University got a valuable victory. There are only two league games left. Their next opponent is Yamanashi Gakuin University, whom they lost in the first round after a close match. Waseda University’s competitive strength, which has overcome adversity many times, is what they want to win at all costs.
(Article Ayano Gondo, photos Yua Nakamura, Shun Ochiai)
99th Kanto University League Match October 28th (vs. Meiji University)
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Waseda University
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６５Meiji University
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◇Waseda University starting members◇
G#0 Eiji Shimoyama (Sport 1 = Aichi/Chubu Daiichi)
G#4 Kenshin Kido (Spo 1 = Fukuoka Daiichi)
F#6 Kenichi Miura (Sport 1 = Kyoto/Rakunan)
F#13 Kennobu Hoshikawa (Sport 4 = Kyoto/Rakunan)
F#18 Yori Iwaya (Sport 2 = Kyoto/Rakunan)
comment
G Haruki Hori (Sport 2 = Kyoto/Higashiyama)
–Looking back at the match
Our opponent played zone defense, but we weren’t good at zone defense, so we couldn’t use our usual fast offense. As a result, we were defeated in the first quarter, but in the second quarter we played solid defense and were able to hold back the opponents’ points. We didn’t score any points, but I think it was good that we didn’t let our opponents score either.
–What I was conscious of in defense
There are basic team rules for defense, so it’s important to stick to them. Our opponent was tall and used the post a lot, and we had a lot of pickouts from there, so I think we were able to rotate our defense quickly in that area.
–Hori himself, regarding rebounding.
(Meiji’s defense) was difficult to play and we weren’t scoring many points, so I wanted to do our best in rebounding.
–What are the challenges for the team today?
It wasn’t good that we didn’t get any shots at the beginning of the first quarter.
–For the next match against Yamanashi Gakuin
(Last time), we lost to Yamanashi Gakuin by 4 points, so we would like to win by at least 5 points so that we can get through when the winning percentages are even.
G Yori Iwaya (Sport 2 = Kyoto/Rakunan)
–We won a close battle, but please give us your honest impressions.
I’m happy, but we still lost to Meiji in goals and points, so I’m happy but also disappointed.
–Could you tell us the reason why you were led in the first quarter?
Zone attacks were an issue for us throughout all the games, and Meiji University knew that we were not good at zone attacks, so they did that from the beginning, and I think that was the reason why we couldn’t find our rhythm. .
–How was your defense today?
There were times when Meiji was forced to play what they were good at, and we had to be patient when our offense wasn’t good. There were good parts and bad parts.
–Please give us your impressions after looking back on your play today.
As a guard, I wasn’t able to give accurate instructions and the points were scored, so I felt like I could have done a little more as a guard, and that I could have watched the ring a little more.
–Could you tell us your enthusiasm for the next match?
We lost to Yamanashi Gakuin University in the first round, so we definitely have to win with a difference of five points or more, but Yamanashi Gakuin University also has momentum and if we continue like today, we will be defeated, so today we I want to hustle even more and win.
2023-10-29 00:02:24
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