Magical day for Miyashita and history-making Japan

UDINE/CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI (FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017) - The beaming smile of Kiho Miyashita told you everything you needed to know about an incredible day for Japan and their women's basketball family.

Miyashita had just stepped off the court having been one of the main contributors to Japan making history by claiming a first-ever spot in the Semi-Finals at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup.

The fact they did it by ripping apart a proud and distinguished nation like Spain with a sensational 95-71 team-orientated success, was all the more impressive.

It also came off the back of Japan beating arch rivals China 74-71 in the Semi-Finals of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017 in Bangalore as the defending champions reached their third straight Final.

"Everyone in Japan always focuses on the senior team and sometimes only the seniors, but this gives them something else to be proud of," stated Miyashita. "We are happy for them and also that we have also now made this history."

The versatile Miyashita harvested an excellent 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists

There was also huge satisfaction from the way that the team achieved it.

"We love to all play the fast-break and to share and pass the ball, so it was an extra special team-win," she smiled. "This is the style we all like to play and it is the one that suits us."

On Saturday, Japan will play either the USA or France in the Semi-Finals.

FIBA