Quarter-Final Preview: Qatar in for a tough challenge from Japan

CHANGSHA-HUNAN (2015 FIBA Asia Championship) - Despite not being the favorites in this match-up, Japan are still capable of springing a surprise when they face Qatar in the Quarter-Finals of the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.

The last time these two teams met was in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship’s preliminary round. Japan led most of the way in that encounter before Qatar rallied in the fourth period to win 75-74. Al Annabi outlasted Team Hayabusa, which got 27 big points from Kosuke Kanamaru. Now Kanamaru is absent and the stakes are much higher for both teams. Who will prevail?

Japan's Outlook: Japan have relied heavily on the dynamic duo of Joji Takeuchi and Makoto Hiejima in this tournament with both expected to continue spearheading the Nippon quintet's charge in the Quarter-Finals. Veterans like Yuta Tabuse and Takatoshi Furukawa will need to step up, though, especially against Qatar's vaunted backcourt. Head coach Kenji Hasegawa's relatively small frontline will be a concern, but if they can step up, Japan have a chance.

Qatar's Outlook: For the most part, Qatar have been carried by former NBA player Trey Johnson, who is the team's best scorer and playmaker. He will give Japan's backcourt a lot of problems, but he alone may not be able to win it alone for Qatar. Mohammed Yousef, Erfan Ali Saeed and Saad Abdulrahman Ali are among the players expected to provide strong support as Qatar hope to advance to the Semi-Finals.

Key Match-Up: Makoto Hiejima has been a revelation for Japan. The 25-year-old 1.90m guard has impressed with his ability to score and make plays for his teammates. On the other end, veteran wingman Saad Abdulrahman Ali has also been solid, reprising his role as one of Qatar's best outside threats. If Hiejima can put the clamps on Ali, that will be a handicap for Qatar, while Japan's chances of moving on are heavily dependent on whether Hiejima's production continues to be at a high level.

FIBA