Why the Gilas vs Japan semis game time was moved to 10PM

MANILA, Philippines – The crucial matchup between Gilas Pilipinas and Japan in the 2015 FIBA Asia semifinal round has been moved 30 minutes from its original tip-off time.

Initially scheduled to begin on Friday, October 2, at 9:30 pm, the game is now expected to start at 10:00 pm.

According to Sports 5 reporter Carlo Pamintuan, FIBA decided to move the game after consulting with safety and security officers due to high demand of tickets.

Another crucial semis game, Iran vs. hometown team China, precedes the Gilas-Japan game at 7:30 pm.

(LIVE BLOG: Gilas vs Japan – 2015 FIBA Asia semifinals)

Rappler reached out to FIBA for more clarification, but as of posting time, they haven’t responded.
The 30-minute delay gives Gilas more time to recuperate after the late ending to their 82-70 quarterfinals victory over Lebanon on Thursday, October 1.

(READ: Gilas Pilipinas in for tough semifinals rematch with Japan)

However, there’s also a negative consequence: the later the game starts, the later it’s also expected to finish. This gives Gilas less resting time if they advance to the finals that will take place on Saturday, October 3.

FIBA’s website currently doesn’t have a scheduled start time for the gold medal match, where the winner will book a spot at the 2016 Rio Olympics. – Rappler.com