Japan completes comeback vs. Venezuela to inch closer to Olympics

Japan inched closer to the 2024 Paris Olympics after completing a come-from-behind win against Venezuela, 86-77, in the classification round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Thursday.

Venezuela led by as much as 15, 68-53, early in the fourth period before Japan erased the deficit and claimed the lead, 75-74, with 1:05 remaining in the frame. 

Jhornan Zamora drilled a triple to put Venezuela within two, 79-77, before Japan made a 7-0 run to get their second win in the tournament.

Makoto Hiejima led the Japanese squad with 23 points, while Yuta Watanabe added 21 points. Yuki Kawamura registered a double-double of 19 points and 11 assists.

Garly Sojo had 20 points for Venezuela, while Zamora had 12 points.

With Japan's win and Gilas Pilipinas' 87-68 loss against South Sudan, the Philippines has been eliminated from direct qualification for the Olympics.

In the matches of other Asian teams earlier in Manila, China took down Angola, 83-76, while Egypt won against Jordan, 85-69.

Over in Jakarta, Lebanon defeated Cote d'Ivoire, 94-84, while Iran is currently facing France.

The Asian team with the best finish in the World Cup will directly qualify to the Olympics.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News