MANILA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Both the Philippines and Japan coughed up losses to open the second window, but they are certainly looking to bounce back in this critical game.

Gilas Pilipinas were worn down by a bigger and deeper Australian side, 84-68, two days ago, while Japan lost on home soil again, this time to the overachieving Chinese Taipei quintet, 70-69. The Filipinos are still on track to book a spot in the next round, though, especially if they manage to upend the Japanese, who are still in search of their first win in Group B.

Simmering under the surface, however, is the Akatsuki Five's desire for revenge. The Philippines dealt Japan their first home loss last November, and coach Julio Lamas's wards have never really been the same ever since. They were blown out of the water by the Boomers after losing to the Filipinos and then the disaster against Taipei happened a few days ago. More than payback, a win will enable Japan to right the ship and set them back on course for the second round.

Key Matchups:
Reports indicate that Jayson Castro has been named by head coach Chot Reyes for the Filipinos' final 12 against Japan, and though Castro isn't 100%, his return should boost the confidence of Gilas Pilipinas. On the opposite end, though, is hot shot Naoto Tsuji, who caught fire in Japan's loss to Chinese Taipei. Tsuji almost single-handedly rallied Japan in the final moments of their last game and finished with 26 points on the back of 8-of-13 three-point shooting. This is a veritable battle of contrasts, what with Castro known for his daredevil drives to the hole, while Tsuji's ability to hit from beyond the arc may spell trouble for the home team.

Japan's frontline have not exactly been their best facet so far in the Asian Qualifiers, and this could be a great opportunity for 4-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo to shine on the international stage. With naturalized center Andray Blatche still struggling to find his form, the onus will be on the man called The Kraken to assert himself in the middle and anchor Gilas Pilipinas's offense. The 6ft 10in (2.08m) Fajardo has been enjoying his best performances so far wearing the national kit, and that augurs well for the Philippines. When he last played against the Akatsuki Five, though, he was saddled by foul trouble, so that's something coach Chot will have to manage here. Coach Lamas, meanwhile, will tap veterans Joji Takeuchi and Atsuya Ota to try and check Fajardo, and we may even see a glimpse of Japan's future with Hyu Watanabe possibly being called up to go toe-to-toe with June Mar.

Key Stats:
Offense, specifically outside shooting, has not been the strength of either of these teams so far in this window. Against Australia, Gilas Pilipinas shot a paltry 5-of-19 from three-point land, while Japan had nobody outside of Tsuji hit a single triple. In this game, perimeter scoring will be key, and whichever team is able to more consistently hit their outside shots will have a distinct advantage.

By the numbers, the Philippines are the better rebounding team of the two, but in their last meeting, the Japanese held their own in the battle of the boards against the Filipinos. It goes without saying, however, that the home team will have more size, especially with the return of 6ft 7in (2.00m) Troy Rosario to the fold, and Japan will need to make significant adjustments in this match. If the Japanese can somehow outmuscle the Philippines, they should be in a much better position to finally break into the win column.

One big difference here in contrast to their first encounter will be the presence of the Filipino crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena. Japan must expect a hostile atmosphere when they face the Philippines, and that's something coach Chot is counting on to boost his own squad.

"We are looking to get an adrenaline lift from the crowd," said coach Chot. "We are really hoping and counting on the hometown support, the sixth man, to really lift us because we will definitely need it."

FIBA