×
08 - 20
August 2017
Australia and Japan figure in budding rivalry
08/08/2017
Preview
to read

Australia and Japan figure in budding rivalry


BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - Title favorites Australia hope to get a measure of payback against East Asia rivals Japan in the opening game of the FIBA Asia Cup 2017.

One will remember that Japan dealt Australia a painful upset in the Final of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017 just a few weeks ago. Australia went into that contest undefeated, but Japan had supreme confidence and rode their momentum all the way to the title. The Boomers will certainly want to a bit of vengeance here against the Akatsuki Five, who are hoping to build on their third place finish in Changsha-Hunan two years ago.

Key Matchups: For sure, a lot of pressure is on Japan's Kosuke Takeuchi and Atsuya Ota to try and slow down Australia's bevy of bigs led by David Andersen and Daniel Kickert. Both Takeuchi and Ota are giving up a few inches in height, but they will try to make up for it with their grit and agility. The Boomers, meanwhile, will need to counter Japan's trademark speed and shooting, and that means trying to limit the production of Yuki Togashi and Makoto Hiejima. Hiejima had a standout performance two years ago in Changsha-Hunan, and he should be a marked man. Togashi, meanwhile, is Japan's top floor general, and where he goes, so goes the Japanese.

Key Stat: Rebounding and outside shooting will be crucial in this game. Australia are among the biggest teams in this competition, and they would do well to maximize their edge by out-rebounding the Japanese. Coach Julio Lamas, for his part, would love to see the Akatsuki Five wax hot from the perimeter to neutralized the Boomers' size advantage. If Japan can hit upwards of 10 three-pointers in this game and force a lot of turnovers, they have a shot at another huge upset.

FIBA