Japan’s dream of progressing was dashed by Australia’s successive draw with Germany in the intermediate round of the Basketball World Cup. The 2021 Olympic bronze medalists won their last group match against the co-hosts 109:89 (57:35) in Okinawa on Tuesday. With two wins and one loss, NBA professional Patty Mills and co. are in the second group phase.
Thanks to their victory, the Australians finished Group E in second place behind group winners Germany, while Japan and Finland head into the placement round in third and fourth place. Australia will play against Slovenia and Georgia in the intermediate round in Okinawa on Friday and Sunday for tickets to the knockout round in Manila from Season F. To do this, they need to be in the top two.
Both Australia and Japan had previously lost to Germany and won against Finland. Japan enjoyed a great moment in basketball last Sunday with a 98:88 win over Tsujigenki and quietly dreamed of a thrilling move to the next round.
However, a sold-out Okinawa Arena of 7,374 again saw an absolutely rabid fan base against a long-overdue Australian side in which Josh Gidde (28 points) and Xavier Cooks (22) shone. Japan played as well as they could and had the best shooter in Josh Hawkinson (33 points). NBA professional Yuda Watanabe scored 24 points.
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