BENGALURU (FIBA U16 Women's Asia Championship 2017) - Yuki Shuto had been a little inconsistent for Japan early in this tournament, but she caught fire at the right time in the Semi-Final against contenders New Zealand.

In the first four games of the Akatsuki Five, Shuto shot a paltry 28% from the field, averaging 9.3 points and only 0.8 three-pointers per game despite attempting close to five triples in every contest. Those were not very promising percentages for someone expected to be among Japan's best offensive options, but when her team needed her to step up, she did exactly that against a streaking New Zealand quintet.

In Japan's win over the U16 Tall Ferns last night, Shuto shot the lights out, making 11 of her 16 attempts from the field, including 2 three-point bombs. Her scorching shooting was a big factor in the Japanese's convincing victory, and she will certainly be a marked player in today's Final opposite the Sapphires of Australia.

The 1.67m Nakatsu City native spoke about her performance with FIBA.basketball.

How do you feel about representing Japan in this tournament?
It is a great honor, and there is a huge responsibility to represent my country. This experience to play here is so great. I hope we can win the Championship and get ready for U17 World Cup.

The team have qualified for the FIBA U17 Women's World Cup for the fourth straight time. Can this team do as well as past teams, or can your team do better?
I don't know much about the past teams, but, yes, I believe we can do better at the U17 World Cup.

How do you feel about the way Japan have played so far?
When we have good mood and flow, we can play well, but when we do not, we struggle like in boxing out. I hope we can play with good mood and flow in the Final against Australia

You have been one of the most impressive players here. What is the reason you have played so well?
I couldn’t play well in the preliminary games, but the coaches just told me to keep shooting no matter how many times I missed. Then, I changed my mind to have more confidence, and last night I played better.

You have not lost yet, but so have Australia. How do you feel about your chances to win in the Final?
This is the very first U16 championship with the teams from Oceania. I am sure we have a chance to win. We will do our best to win and be the champion!

FIBA