Japan downs Cape Verde to finish as best Asian team, books ticket to Olympics

Japan is heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics after taking down Cape Verde, 80-71, on Saturday in the classification round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

The Japanese squad banked on a strong second quarter performance as it outscored Cape Verde, 33-18, to take a 50-37 lead at halftime. Japan then led by as much as 20 points, 73-53, with two minutes left in the third quarter before cruising to their third win in the tournament.

Joshua Hawkinson posted 29 points, seven rebounds, and four assists for Japan, while Keisei Tominaga had 22 points.

Shane Da Rosa and Edy Tavares paced Cape Verde with 11 points apiece, while Patrick Lima and Ivan Almeida added 10 points each.

With three wins and two losses, Japan directly qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics as the Asian team with the best standing in the tournament.

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— FIBA (@FIBA) September 2, 2023

World Cup first-timer South Sudan also clinched a ticket to the Olympics as they ended up as the best African team following a win against Angola.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News