OKINAWA, Japan, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) — Japan beat Cape Verde 80-71 within the classification video games 17-32 on the 2023 FIBA World Cup right here on Saturday.
Both groups performed out a seesaw first quarter, whereas Japan drilled 5 three-pointers within the second quarter, serving to them to guide the primary half 50-37.
In the ultimate quarter, Cape Verde managed to slender the deficit with a 13-0 run till Josh Hawkinson scored six factors in a row to cease the momentum and assist Japan hold the result in the tip of the sport.
With the victory, Japan immediately certified for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as the most effective ranked crew from Asia within the World Cup.
Hawkinson scored 29 factors, Keisei Tominaga nailed six three-pointers, contributing 22 factors off the bench. Yuki Kawamura added 14 factors and eight assists for Japan.
Cape Verde’s high performer Edy Tavares achieved a double-double of 11 factors and 14 rebounds.