Japan erases 15-point 4th-quarter deficit to earn second World Cup win / News - Basketnews.com

Japan had a nuclear fourth quarter, erasing a 15-point deficit and earning a crucial second win en route to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Euphoria in Japan continues. Even though they were trailing by 15 points in the fourth quarter, Japan erased it and defeated Venezuela 86-77 (15-19, 21-22, 17-21, 33-15).

Player of the Game EFF 27 Yuki Kawamura Points 19 Accuracy 6-11 Rebounds 4 Assists 11

Venezuela had a 15-point lead with 8 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter (53-68) but it wasn't enough to capture the victory. Makoto Hiejima scored 11 points in a row and got Japan to just five (65-70).

In a back-and-forth basketball, Japan converted the majority of their free throws and got defensive stops. To ensure the win, Yuki Kawamura, who shined in a win against Finland, got a crucial three-pointer, while Hiejima made his 6th three-pointer.

Hiejima was the top scorer with 23 points, making 6 threes out of 7. Phoenix Suns forward Yuta Watanabe added 21 points (8/14 FGT, 3/8 3PT) and 8 rebounds, while Kawamura finished the game with a double-double of 19 points and 11 assists.

With the win, Japan moved closer to qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The win against Cabo Verde in the last round would ensure them the ticket to the grand tournament.

Full game highlights:

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