Japan's Olympic Women's Basketball Bid in Limbo After Hungary Loss
The Japanese women's basketball team faces uncertainty regarding their ticket to the Paris Games following a crucial loss to host Hungary at an Olympic qualifying tournament on Friday.
Ranked ninth in the world, Japan faltered against 19th-ranked Hungary, leaving their Olympic aspirations on shaky ground. The tournament's round-robin format saw all four teams tied at 1-1 after Spain, ranked fourth, secured a victory over fifth-ranked Canada in the day's other match.
With only three Olympic berths up for grabs, Japan's fate hinges on their performance in the final round scheduled for Sunday in Sopron.
Having clinched silver at the Tokyo Games, Japan entered the qualifier with high hopes after defeating Spain 86-75 on Thursday. However, their momentum was disrupted by Hungary's formidable performance, with the host nation capitalizing on their dominance in rebounding to level the game 32-32 at halftime. Despite Japan's initial lead, Hungary's resilience proved decisive, securing a five-point advantage in the final quarter.
Saori Miyazaki and Mai Yamamoto led Japan with 15 points each, but their efforts weren't enough to overcome Hungary's determined play. Japan's struggles from beyond the arc, shooting just 9-for-28, added to the disappointment in an intense atmosphere.
Reflecting on the loss, Japan's head coach, Toru Onzuka, expressed frustration, acknowledging Hungary's effective use of home advantage. The team now faces a must-win situation against Canada on Sunday to secure their Olympic qualification.
"We'll look to play Japan's style of basketball throughout the 40 minutes against Canada," stated Onzuka, emphasizing the team's determination to bounce back and secure their spot at the Paris Games.
As the tournament reaches its decisive phase, all eyes are on Japan as they strive to overcome this setback and keep their Olympic dreams alive.
