BLOG
I pried open the first door
–The challenge continues to the second door.
Yamanashi Queen Beads 85-75 SMBC
(February 6, 2026 / Arena Tachikawa Tachihi
In order for the Queen Bees to gain the right to challenge for promotion to the Premier League, there are two doors to their dreams that must be opened. The battle that opened the first door was the stage for the home side SMBC’s many fans and boosters to cheer and make noise, putting great pressure on the Queen Bees.
To push back against the pressure, the players were tossed up at 7:30 pm as the Queen Bees fans and boosters cheered on their backs.
Queen Bees started off with an ideal match, but SMBC gradually showed their strengths. Following Game 1 against SMBC in Kose, today was also a difficult game in which we didn’t know which way it would go until the very end.
It was a match in which captain Momoko Inoue, who said of her opponent’s cheers, “on the contrary, I was actually enjoying the adversity,” continued to lead the team both offensively and defensively.
Immediately after the start of the game, Queenbees suddenly took control with an 11-0 run. They continued to score at a good tempo with Momoko Inoue’s 2P drive and Aika Watanabe’s 3P, followed by Darame Malem Doi. With 7 minutes and 30 seconds remaining, SMBC called for an early timeout.
It was an ideal start. However, SMBC counterattacked with Hirao’s 3-pointer. Although Queenbees maintained a high awareness of defensive rebounds, from the middle of the game onwards, they began to lose their rhythm due to strong pressure from SMBC’s front court.
They still held a 22-18 lead at the end of the first quarter, but from this time on the court was already starting to feel like it wasn’t going to be an easy game.
In the second quarter, it was Inoue who broke the bad momentum, with head coach Sachiko Ishikawa praising Inoue, saying, “Today, our captain, Inoue, led the team with his truly emotional play.” The team gained momentum with consecutive points, and Watanabe and Nana Katayama made 3-pointers to make it 32-22. SMBC was forced into another timeout with 6 minutes and 7 seconds remaining.
In this quarter, Inoue showed a strong desire to get to the ring, scoring 20 points in the first half alone. As head coach Ishikawa said, it was a time when they were able to “score more by attacking.”
Furthermore, the Queenbees showed their concentration in rebounding, which was an issue. They grabbed 16 defensive rebounds in the first half alone, and limited SMBC’s offensive rebounds to six, preventing second chances.
At the end, Inoue’s buzzer beater made it 53-39. They expanded their lead and entered the first half.
As the second half started, SMBC made three points in quick succession. The point difference quickly narrowed, and at one point the lead was down to 7 points, 58-50.
The Queenbees’ field goal percentage dropped to 33.3% this quarter. As Inoue reflected, “I watch too many passes, and even when I could take a shot, I choose to pass.” The offense has become more one-shot.
SMBC’s three-point success rate was 5/8, 62%, and 15 points, and their drive attack resulted in 21 points in the third quarter, while the Queen Bees had 15 points. The trend is completely tilted towards SMBC.
Even so, Mina Kaminaga’s 3-pointers kept the score at 68-60. They maintained their lead until the final 10 minutes.
The final quarter was a complete test of patience. SMBC hit seven threes, but only one hit the rim. However, they narrowed the gap with a 2-pointer, and with 1 minute 37 seconds left, the lead was down to 5 points, 75-70.
And then came the decisive battle. Momoko Inoue’s 3-point hit hit the net.
SMBC also got back on track with Shimamura’s 3-pointer, but was fouled here. After that, the Queenbees made four free throws and Natsuki Dehara’s 3-pointer, and the game ended at 85-75. He won the important first match to secure second place.
Inoue scored 30 points, the most for both teams. The captain’s back, enjoying the adversity and winning with his heart, told everything about this match.
Momoko Inoue cited the reason for today’s victory, saying, “I was able to win in the end because of my feelings.”
Tomorrow will be a completely away arena, just like today. And SMBC is also immeasurable in their dedication to the final race in their first year of participation.
As the thoughts and feelings of both teams collide, which one will be able to maintain their feelings until the end?
The feeling of wanting to win.
And the defense that has been built up.
Strong obsession with rebounding and loose balls.
The culmination of the league match, the Queen Bees pried open the first door.
The challenge to open the second door will begin tomorrow at 3pm.
Head coach/captain statement
Sachiko Ishikawa Head Coach
We wanted to limit our opponent’s three-point attempts, but we couldn’t do so, and it was a bit of a struggle. However, by attacking well, we were able to score more points, and there were times when we seemed to be catching up in the end, but we were able to play calmly, so I think it was a good thing.
I think the reason we were able to win was that even though shots were taken, we were able to grab rebounds as a team, which led to our victory in the end. I think the fact that we were able to win with so much support from our opponents gave the players confidence. I heard that there will be more spectators tomorrow than today, so I want to win even in that crowd.
Captain Inoue scored 30 points today, leading the team with his truly passionate play. If everyone on the team plays with that spirit tomorrow, I’m sure we’ll get a good result.
From the third quarter onwards, the opponent’s three-pointers and mismatched drive attacks took over the game. Under pressure, there were times when I lacked one or two more steps.
On the offensive side, I watched too many passes and chose to pass even when I could have taken a shot. It was good that we were passing the ball around, but we lacked the awareness to shoot first, and I think that’s why we didn’t score as many points. I’ll tell you that again.
Even when we are away, we are really supported by all the supporters. I will do my best tomorrow to live up to that feeling.
Captain Momoko Inoue
We really struggled against the opponent’s three-pointers until the very end of the second half, but until the very end, I kept telling the team to “work hard on defense and rebounding,” and I’m glad that we were able to do that in the end and hold off the opponent.
Before the game today, I told everyone, “These two games are really important, and we’re in a situation where we can’t afford to lose another one.In the end, whoever has the strongest will will win.” I think we were able to win because everyone kept fighting until the very end with a strong desire to win.
It was an away game and the cheering from our opponents was amazing, but on the other hand, I was enjoying the adversity, and it was a really emotional game.
We were careful about the three-point shot before the game, but there were many situations where we were held back by picks or momentarily left the ball due to lack of pressure. I want to fix that tomorrow.
On offense, we weren’t able to attack based on our common understanding, and there were times when we were left with one-shot attacks or were just passing and couldn’t really see the ball. If we don’t aim for a shot first and then pass when we get close, it will be easy for the opponent to defend us, so I think that’s an area for improvement.
In the final stages, we really had to be patient, but I kept saying, “I’m going to limit my three-pointers and get all the rebounds.” I was able to win in the end because of my feelings. I think the biggest thing was my desire to win.
The support from all the Queen Bees fans and boosters really gives us strength. I’m grateful because it touched the hearts of all the players, myself included, and made them want to do their best.
I believe that all of the failures and successes that I have experienced in the league so far will lead to tomorrow’s match. I want everyone to persevere through the tough times and lead us to a win.
