Japan books second-round spot as Group B qualification battle heads to finale

Japan became the first team from Group B to advance to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers after defeating China, 92-73, on Friday. Meanwhile, Chinese Taipei kept its qualification hopes alive with a dramatic 82-80 overtime victory over South Korea.

The Akatsuki Five secured the top spot in Group B and a place in Group F, while China, Chinese Taipei, and South Korea will battle for the two remaining second-round berths on the final day of group play on Monday.

China and Chinese Taipei will meet in a winner-take-all showdown, while South Korea faces already-qualified Japan in another crucial matchup that will determine the group's remaining qualifiers.

Chinese Taipei pulled off a thrilling escape at Goyang Gymnasium thanks to a clutch finish by Ma Riven.

Trailing 80-79, Ma converted a fast-break layup with 39 seconds remaining to put Chinese Taipei ahead. Brandon Gilbeck then split a pair of free throws with 20 seconds left to extend the lead to two points.

South Korea had several opportunities to force another overtime but failed to capitalize. Lee Junghyun missed a three-pointer before Gilbeck blocked his follow-up attempt. Jang Jaeseok secured the offensive rebound, but his desperation three-pointer at the buzzer missed, leaving South Korea winless at 0-3 under head coach Nikolajs Mazurs.

Gilbeck starred for Chinese Taipei with 26 points, 18 rebounds, and five blocks, while Chen Yingchun added 18 points. Benson Lin contributed 13 points despite a difficult shooting night from beyond the arc, while Bachir Gadiaga and Ma Riven finished with 10 points apiece. Gadiaga also grabbed nine rebounds.

Yeo Junseok led South Korea with 15 points and eight rebounds. Lee Junghyun added 13 points, while Jang posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort.

Japan, meanwhile, comfortably handled China behind Josh Hawkinson's game-high 27 points. Yuta Watanabe chipped in 16 points, while Yudai Baba nearly recorded a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds.

Hu Jinqiu paced China with 15 points, while Liao Sanning and He Xining contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively.

In Group A, Australia delivered a historic shooting performance in a dominant 124-52 victory over Guam at RAC Arena.

The Boomers knocked down 24 three-pointers, setting a new FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers record and surpassing the previous mark of 22 set by Mexico against Colombia in 2023.

Tyrese Proctor led Australia's long-range barrage with six three-pointers en route to 22 points. Angus Glover added 19 points behind five triples, while Bryce Cotton and Jack McVeigh finished with 18 and 14 points, respectively, after connecting on four three-pointers each. Reyne Smith also hit three triples, while David Okwera and Mitch Creek contributed from beyond the arc.

Australia, which has already secured a second-round berth alongside Gilas Pilipinas and New Zealand, will close out its Group A schedule against the Philippines on Monday.

Guam, whose elimination was confirmed earlier in the day, was led by BJ Freeman with 18 points, while Jericho Cruz was held scoreless in 24 minutes.