Game results

Gilas Pilipinas saw its quarterfinal bid in the FIBA Asia Cup foiled by a hot-shooting Japan side after absorbing a 102-81 loss in their knockout playoffs on Tuesday, July 19.

Yuta Watanabe, Yuki Togashi, and Luke Evans showed the way as the Akatsuki Five dealt the Filipinos their worst Asia Cup finish in 15 years.

The last time the Philippines missed the quarterfinals of the continental showpiece was in the 2007 edition, where it placed ninth. 

Ray Parks delivered 16 points and 3 assists to lead Gilas Pilipinas. 

(READ: Gilas Pilipinas crashes out of FIBA Asia Cup, misses Top 8 after Japan blowout)

(READ: Chot Reyes sorry to disappoint as Gilas Pilipinas falls short of Top 8 goal)

Preview

It is now do-or-die for Gilas Pilipinas as it tries to accomplish its goal of a top-eight finish in the FIBA Asia Cup.

The Philippines shoots for a quarterfinals berth when it faces deadly Japan in a knockout playoff at the Astora Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday, July 19.

In recent years, the Filipinos have repeatedly asserted their mastery over the Akatsuki Five.

But Japan – reinforced by NBA player Yuta Watanabe and naturalized player Luke Evans – is no longer a pushover as it ended the Asia Cup group stage with a 2-1 record, losing only to Iran.

Japan leads the Asia Cup in average points (97.7), assists (24.7), and steals (12.3).

But arguably the strongest suit of the Akatsuki Five is their three-point shooting as they average 16.7 triples, which also ranks No. 1 in the tournament.

Familiarity will be key for the Filipinos in stifling the Japanese, with several of their players seeing action in the Japan B. League.

Ray Parks is teammates with Tenketsu Harimoto and Yutaroh Suda for the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, while Kiefer Ravena (Shiga Lakestars) and Thirdy Ravena (San-En NeoPhoenix) have played against the rest of the Japanese squad.

The three are also Gilas Pilipinas’ top performers.

Parks averages 12.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.3 steals, Thirdy norms 11.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.7 steals, while Kiefer churns out 8.3 points, 3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds.

Game tips off at 9 pm.

– Rappler.com