Bahrain bow to Japan in basketball World Cup qualifier

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain went down fighting to Japan 74-87 last night in their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 qualifier, played at the Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town.

The nationals had a slow start and fell behind 10-24 at the end of the first quarter, before marginally cutting into the deficit to make it 33-50 at the half.

The Bahrainis were able to get closer in the third period, where they outscored the Japanese 24-13 to get to within six, 57-63, with only the final canto to play.

But the visitors regained control after Bahrain made it 61-66 and they came no closer.

Young Bahraini guard Mustafa Hussain was on fire from the perimeter, scoring 30 points while burying six three-pointers and also dishing out seven assists.

Ahmed Haji added 14 points while Wayne Chism had 11 and 15 rebounds.

For Japan, Tenketsu Harimoto had 22 points as their leading scorer while Yuki Kawamura added 20. Luke Evans contributed 13 in the win.

With the result, the Bahrainis dropped to a 2-7 win-loss record in Group F of this qualifying stage.

The Japanese improved to a 4-5 mark.

Following last night’s contest, the Bahrainis clash with another opponent from the Far East in their next qualifier.

They take on China on Monday at the same venue.

After this week’s window of games, the Bahrainis then travel half-way across the globe for their last two qualifiers next year.

They play Australia on 23 February and then face off with Japan on 26 February in a pair of away fixtures.

At the end of this qualifying stage, the top three teams from each group—along with hosts Japan and the Philippines— qualify for next year’s World Cup