World Cup Qualifiers: Japan Avenges Loss to China with Dominant Victory

Japan's national basketball team achieved a decisive 92-73 victory over China on the road, securing their advancement to the next round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers. This win, which saw Japan lead by as many as 21 points, avenged an earlier 80-87 home loss to China in February. The team now holds a 4-1 record, guaranteeing them the top spot in their group.

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The team knew how to attack and which players to focus on defensively. Every player performed their role exceptionally well.

Head coach Dai Oketani highlighted the team's successful adjustments following the previous defeat. "The team knew how to attack and which players to focus on defensively," Oketani stated. "Every player performed their role exceptionally well." He noted that the first half of the game mirrored the previous encounter, prompting him to instruct his players at halftime to approach the second half with a "0-0 mentality."

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Therefore, at halftime, I told the players to approach the second half with a 0-0 mentality, and the players executed this strategy well.

The Japanese team has seen a coaching staff overhaul earlier this year, with Oketani taking over as head coach. The coaching team also includes Ryan Richman, a former assistant coach for the NBA's Washington Wizards, and Taisuke Gibo, a former assistant for the New York Knicks. Oketani expressed gratitude to the Japanese fans for their support during this transitional period, vowing to continue working hard to meet expectations.

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After the coaching staff reorganization, the players have worked hard even under difficult circumstances. We will continue to do our best not to disappoint everyone.