Qatar overcome Japan 75-74 in a thriller

Action from the Qatar and Japan Group B match during the 27th FIBA Asia Championship in Manila yesterday. Qatar beat Japan 75-74 in a thrilling encounter. PICTURE: Othman Iraqi

Agencies/Manila

Following Lebanon’s withdrawal, all teams in the group — the third being Hong Kong — are assured of a place in the second round.

Qatar’s American coach Thomas Wisman was pleased with the result.

“Well, things do happen sometimes. We got to keep the faith,” Qatar coach Tom Wisman said.

“I think we played real smart basketball. That’s what I’ve been demanding from the team all the time. The players’ experience counted a lot,” he said.

Having trailed right through, Qatar made their move at the start of the final period. Jarvis Hayes, a former Washington Wizards draftee, accounted for 12 of his 20 points in the final period leading Qatar’s win.

“One of the main reasons for his naturalisation was his ability of explosive speed bursts. It did work,” Wisman said.

“And the seniors in the team showed that experience does count in crunch situations,” he added.

“We played our hearts out. We may not be getting younger, but we’re certainly not any weaker in our determination. This is our final chance to play at this level. And we won’t go down without a fight,” said veteran captain YasseenMoussa, who scored 12 and collected 15 rebounds.

Japan looked hot whenever KosukeKanamaru fired, but did look off-color when he didn’t. The 24-year-old returned a game-high score of 27.

“We can recover,” said Japan coach Kimikazu Suzuki.

“There were a few small details we missed at the crucial moments. But these tough games only make us better prepared for the next round,” he said.