Japan now has the command of all of the Asian teams to fulfill that Olympic dream.
On Sunday, Aug. 27, the host nation delivered a dramatic performance by rocking Finland, 98-88, to pick up their first FIBA World Cup win this year within the jubilated Okinawa Arena.
From being down 73-63 heading to the last period, the Akatsuki pulled the trigger and blasted a roaring 35-point quarter avalanche to turn the favor at their side with the Finnish squad settling for a lowly 15 markers.
Yuki Kawamura led the late charge of his country with a sparkling 25 points and nine assists, while Josh Hawkinson was at front in the scoring board by having a massive 28-point, 19-board double-double
Lauri Markkanen tallied 27 points and 12 rebounds as Finland exited the game with unexpected disappointment.
Japan now splitted their win-loss record in the Group Phase round and is the only team in Asia to notch a World Cup victory so far. Finland, for its part, crashed with an 0-2 record and is on the brink of elimination.
With the emphatic victory, Japan holds the best odds to enter the Olympics within the Asian region. The Philippines, China, Jordan, Iran, and Lebanon are yet to be in the mix and pick up a tourney win.
