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| Sota Oura (R) launches a three-point shot over Jahmar Andre White's outstretched defense during the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier at the University of Guam Field House on Nov. 24, 2024. FIBA |
MANILA—Akatsuki Japan punched its ticket to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, staving off a fourth-quarter rally by Guam to win, 83-78, at the University of Guam Field House in Mangilao, Guam on Sunday afternoon (Philippine Standard Time).
Japan appeared to be cruising early, leading by as many as 19 points, but Guam clawed back in the final period behind Takumi Fukuda and Earnest Ross Jr., who combined for 17 points in a valiant effort.
However, Japan's composure and superior depth proved decisive as they clinched their third consecutive victory in Group C, improving to 4-0 and securing their place in next year’s continental showpiece.
Guam began with energy, taking a 5-point lead midway through the opening quarter thanks to a Jericho Cruz three-pointer.
However, Japan quickly settled into a rhythm, leveraging their crisp ball movement and offensive balance to end the quarter up 20-15.
The second quarter belonged entirely to Japan, whose suffocating defense and efficient scoring stretched the lead to 48-31 at halftime.
Yudai Nishida spearheaded the offense, while Joshua Hawkinson dominated the glass with relentless rebounding, further cementing Japan's advantage.
Guam struggled to cut into the deficit in the third period, narrowly outscoring Japan, 22-20.
The home side gained momentum heading into the final frame, sparked by Ross Jr.’s aggressive drives and Takumi Fukuda’s timely baskets.
In the fourth quarter, Guam surged, forcing turnovers and converting them into points.
Fukuda and Ross Jr. combined for 17 of Guam's 25 points in the period, bringing their team within striking distance.
However, Japan sealed the game at the free-throw line as Guam resorted to fouls in the final minutes.
Yudai Nishida led the way for Japan with 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Hawkinson was a force in the paint, tallying a double-double with 13 points, 16 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 2 steals.
On the other end, Guam’s Ross Jr. was sensational, pouring in a game-high 30 points to go along with 10 rebounds and 3 steals.
Cruz, representing the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA, struggled with efficiency again, only scoring 13 points on 30.8 percent shooting from the field with 5 assists.
With the win, Japan cemented its spot at the FIBA Asia Cup, scheduled on Aug. 7-25, 2025, joining Australia as early qualifiers.
Guam, now 1-3 in Group C, faces an uphill battle to keep their hopes alive as the competition heats up.
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