Akatsuki Japan, the 2022 FIBA U18 Asia Cup runners-up, return to the playoffs after eliminating Gilas Pilipinas.
Akatsuki Japan trounced on Gilas Pilipinas, 85-61, to qualify for the quarterfinals of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup.
The 2022 FIBA U18 Asia Cup runners-up went on cruise control from the second quarter and eventually broke away in the third frame.
Leon Watanabe roared for Japan with 15 points and six rebounds. Riku Segawa added 13 points, three rebounds, and four assists.
Mark Esperanza was the top scorer for the Philippines with 16 points, along with six assists. John Earl Medina was the other Filipino in double digits with 11 points, three rebounds and one assist.
In 2022, Gilas Pilipinas finished in sixth place. In 2018, they ended up fourth.
This year, they end up in 11th place.
Aiming for the final four are China against India, New Zealand against Iran, Australia vs Japan, and Korea vs Jordan.