Japan eliminates Markkanen's Finland from World Cup title contention / News - Basketnews.com

Finland squandered an 18-point third-quarter led and got eliminated from title contention by Japan.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Finland had a gargantuan lead in the second half but it didn't matter for Japan. They won the fourth quarter by 18 points and eliminated Lauri Markkanen's team from FIBA World Cup title contention 98-88 (22-15, 14-31, 27-27, 35-15).

Player of the Game EFF 44 Josh Hawkinson Points 28 Accuracy 7-9 Rebounds 19 Assists 1

Finland had an 18-point lead with two minutes remaining in the third quarter but squandered it in the second half, as Japan won the last quarter by a whopping 20-point margin.

It is Japan's first win against a European team in World Cup history - all done in front of the home crowd in Okinawa, Japan.

Josh Hawkinson was spectacular for Japan, scoring 28 points and grabbing 19 rebounds for a whopping 44 PIR. 1.72-meter-tall Yuki Kawamura added 25 points (10/16 FG) and 9 assists.

Makoto Hiejima and Keisei Tominaga added 17 points each.

Lauri Markkanen led Finland in scoring with 27 points (10/21 FG, 2/7 3PT) and 12 rebounds.

Japan now gets a chance to get to the second round if they beat Australia on Tuesday, August 29th.

Full game highlights:

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