India lose to Japan in U16 Asian Basketball Championships

MUMBAI: Indian cagers put up a brilliant fight against a strong Japan team but lost out on a chance of qualifying for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2022, suffering a narrow 90-85 defeat in the FIBA U16 Asian Championships in Doha, Qatar on Friday.

The defeat against the strong opponent meant India missed out on the chance of making it to the semifinal.

The young Akatsuki Five led the entire way after claiming the lead after the first 21 seconds, but India never backed down. The lead was as big as 15 points in the middle of the match for Japan, but India closed the gap down time and again to even one point late in the game.

Japan were rewarded for their efforts in this hard-earned victory against a tough opponent with a trip to the semifinals and qualification for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2022 to be played in Malaga, Spain from July 2-10. IANS

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