Japan add to Palestine’s woes

CHANGSHA-HUNAN (2015 FIBA Asia Championship) - Both Japan and Palestine badly needed a win, but it was Team Hayabusa that proved tougher in the end, winning, 74-67, in Group E action from the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.

Bucking a slow start that saw them trail, 21-12, after one quarter, coach Kenji Hasegawa’s wards outscored their West Asian foes, 45-28, in the middle two periods to build enough of a cushion to prevail. Once again, Joji Takeuchi was the man of the moment for Japan, anchoring their play on both ends to lead the Nippon squad to their first win in the second round. He got ample support from Makoto Hiejima, who dropped 13 points, and Keijuro Matsui, who tallied 12.

Sani Sakakini and Jamal Abu-Shamala paired up to spearhead Palestine’s losing cause. Sakakini had 27 points and 17 rebounds, while Abu-Shamala had 22 points and 4 triples as their team tumbled to their second loss in Group E.

Turning Point: It was a nip-and-tuck affair for much of the match until Makoto Hiejima gave Japan a 44-43 lead at the 4:50 mark of the third quarter. That turned the tide in Japan’s favor and, slowly but surely, they gathered momentum toward the fourth period, where they successfully kept their opponents at bay till the final buzzer sounded.

Stats Don't Lie: Palestine have been a decent rebounding team so far this tournament, but Japan completely dominated them on the boards today. With Takeuchi, Matsui, Ryumo Ono, and Atsuya Ota crashing the glass, Japan outrebounded Palestine, 53-36, which also led to 16 second chance points for coach Hasegawa’s squad compared to just 4 for the Palestinians.

Game Hero: Without a doubt, the day belonged to Takeuchi, who recorded another sublime double-double with 21 points, 19 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks. He also shot 8-of-15 from the field, which underscored his efficiency throughout the game. If he can play well again versus Hong Kong tomorrow, then Japan should march to the Quarter-Finals unperturbed.

The Bottom Line: Palestine and Japan needed to win to keep their hopes of a Quarter-Finals berth strong. Both teams were coming off tight losses in their previous games. In the end, however, it was Japan who proved to have stronger will and a more balanced attack. Now Palestine are pressured to upset mighty Iran, who are smarting from a loss to rival Philippines. If Palestine falter tomorrow, they may as well kiss their chances of advancing goodbye.

FIBA