Japan, a wheelchair basketball boy at the Tokyo Paralympics, defeated Canada 62-56 in the third round of the qualifying league, deciding to advance to the quarterfinals with three consecutive victories.
In the men's wheelchair basketball qualifying league, 12 participating teams will be divided into two groups of 6 teams to play round robin, and the top 4 teams will advance to the quarterfinals.
Japan have defeated Colombia and South Korea in two consecutive games, and played against Canada in the third round of the qualifying league held at Ariake Arena in Koto-ku, Tokyo on the 28th.
In the first half, Japan aggressively aimed to shoot from the outside against Canada's high defense, but could not decide and the opponent took the initiative, leading 19:30.
In the second half of the chase, Japan regained the rhythm of the attack by regaining the ball from the opponent with the defense of chasing the entire court with plenty of momentum, and when the third quarter was over, it caught up to 6 points.
Then, in the final 4th quarter, Hiroaki Kasai scored two three-point shots, and Japan made a comeback after scoring points, and after that, widened the lead and escaped 62 to 56.
Japan decided to advance to the quarter-finals after winning 3 consecutive victories and deciding 4th or higher in the same group.
In the 4th round of the qualifying league on the 29th, we will face the powerful Spain who won the silver medal in the previous tournament.
Kasai "I'm glad I was able to win."
Kasai, who scored 24 points, the most in the team, said, "I was talking about actively aiming for a shot in the team. I'm glad I was able to win anyway."
Regarding the decision to advance to the quarter-finals, he said, "I'm not satisfied yet. I just feel like moving on to the next match."
Toyoshima "Defense saved the team"
Captain Hide Toyoshima said, "As a result of continuing the defense to hit the opponent from the first half, we were able to reduce the opponent's physical strength and lead to the attack of the fourth quarter. Our defense saved the team." I looked back.
For the match against Spain, he was looking forward to four consecutive victories, saying, "I am a high and physically strong opponent, but I want to grasp the flow from the defense and fight firmly."
Toriumi "I'm relieved to win"
The key to the offense and defense, Chokai Renshi had tears in his eyes immediately after the match.
After that, Toriumi, who responded to the interview, said, "It was a game where I could find many challenges as a team and I was relieved to win." ..
For the match against the powerful Spain, "Because it is a tall team, it is important to defend ourselves and let the opponent shoot in a difficult situation. From there, we will pass for 40 minutes and quickly attack and defend. I want to keep doing the switching baskets. "