Japan overpower Chinese Taipei and make it to Second Round

TAIPEI (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Japan leaned on the unstoppable Nick Fazekas as they overpowered Chinese Taipei, 108-68, and barged into the second round of the Asian Qualifiers.

Fazekas led the way for Japan with 32 points on 13-of-18 field goal shooting while also adding 11 rebounds and 3 three-pointers. Makoto Hiejima also stepped up for Japan with 17 points on a near-flawless 7-of-8 shooting from the floor, while ace playmaker Yuki Togashi hit 4 triples on his way to 12 points. Rui Hachimura struggled early on but also scored in double-figures with 13 points for the Akatsuki Five, who swept both their third window games and are heading into the second round on a high.

It was a sorry end to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers journey of Chinese Taipei, which needed to win again to ensure their safe passage to the next round. Quincy Davis struggled for the home team with only 7 shot attempts and ended up with a paltry 10 points in 32 minutes. They were led by Peng Chun-Yen's 19 points off the bench.

Japan will join Australia and Philippines as the Group B teams moving on to the second round, where they will be in Group F along with the top three teams from Group D. The second round begins in September 2018.

FIBA