FIBA Basketball World Cup co-host Japan punched its ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics after holding on for an 80-71 victory over Cape Verde on Saturday.
Big man Josh Hawkinson contributed 29 points and seven rebounds as world No. 36 Japan secured direct qualification to the Olympics by finishing as Asia’s top World Cup performer with a 3-2 record.
Japan took a 73-55 lead into the final break at Okinawa Arena before threatening to collapse late against No. 64 Cape Verde, which won the fourth quarter 16-7.
Japan’s Josh Hawkinson (L) battles with Cape Verde’s Edy Tavares during a FIBA Basketball World Cup classification game at Okinawa Arena in Okinawa, southern Japan, on Sept. 2, 2023. (Kyodo)
Livewire guard Keisei Tominaga added 22 points as he energized Japan in 18 minutes off the bench.
Towering center Edy Tavares had 11 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks for Cape Verde, which finished 1-4 after becoming the smallest nation to play at the World Cup.
Akatsuki Japan led 50-37 at the main break after Tominaga contributed 16 first-half points on 6-from-6 shooting, including 4-from-4 from beyond the arc.
Japan’s Keisei Tominaga (30) sinks a shot during the second quarter of a FIBA Basketball World Cup classification round game against Cape Verde at Okinawa Arena in Okinawa, southern Japan, on Sept. 2, 2023. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
The fired-up home crowd erupted in the second minute of the game when Phoenix Suns wing Yuta Watanabe dunked on a fast break, earning a three-point play that gave Japan a 5-2 lead.
Japan trailed 19-17 at the start of the second before going up 20-19 on Hawkinson’s layup.
With guards Tominaga and Yuki Kawamura leading the charge, they began extending the lead as the African side struggled to defend in the open court.
Japan’s Yuta Watanabe (top C) throws down a dunk in a FIBA Basketball World Cup classification game against Cape Verde at Okinawa Arena in Okinawa, southern Japan, on Sept. 2, 2023. (Kyodo)
Having finished third in Okinawa-based Group E with a 1-2 record, Japan won both of its games in the tournament’s classification round to determine 17th-32nd place.
Only China and Lebanon remained in contention to challenge for Asia’s sole direct Olympic berth coming into the final day of the 17-32 classification round.
Japanese fans cheer for their team during a FIBA Basketball World Cup classification game against Cape Verde at Okinawa Arena in Okinawa, southern Japan, on Sept. 2, 2023. (Kyodo)
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