Japan to play must-win game at Yokohama International Arena

YOKOHAMA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Japan's next Asian Qualifiers fixture will be played at the Yokohama International Swimming Pool Arena in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Japan will be hosting Chinese Taipei for their third game of the Asian Qualfieirs at the venue that can seat as many as 5,000 fans. As the name suggests, Yokohama International Swimming Pool Arena is mainly used for aquatic events, but it also serves as the homecourt of the Yokohama B-Corsairs of the B. League.

Japan are treating this particular match as a must-win affair after they went winless in the first window, losing to the Philippines at home and getting blown out by Australia on the road. Whoever emerges victorious in this encounter between the Akatsuki Five and Chinese Taipei will have the inside track to finish among the top three in their group and strengthen their chances of advancing to the next round.

"We had our first home game in Tokyo and will have the second one in another city, Yokohama," said Japan Basketball Association Secretary-General Michihiro Tanaka. "It is great that we have 'homes' all around Japan. I hope our players will show their spirits and make a big wave of basketball excitement for our home fans."

The game is to be played on 22 February 2018. After this contest, Japan travel to Manila to play Gilas Pilipinas once more at the Mall of Asia Arena on 25 February.

FIBA