Will Japan provide stiff challenge against Asia Cup champions Australia?

ADELAIDE (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Japan are coming off a disappointing home loss to the Philippines, but they are hopeful they can provide a good challenge against Australia.

Japan blew their chance at gaining payback on the Philippines after they lost at home on Day 2, but they will take the bitter lessons of that loss and hope to surprise the Boomers in Adelaide. Australia, however, are not known to take any opponent easy, and they are certain to flex their muscles against the Akatsuki Five when they face off at the Titanium Arena.

Key Matchups: Australia had an easy time disposing of Chinese Taipei on Day 2, but they will probably encounter stiffer resistance from Japan on Day 4. Leading the Japanese will be explosive wingman Makoto Hiejima, who dropped 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists against the Philippines. Trying to shadow Hiejima will probably be star swingman Mitch Creek, and their matchup at the perimeter should be one of the marquee elements to watch in this game. Creek had a "pedestrian" 12 points against Chinese Taipei, but he should be more aggressive here against the Japanese.

Key Stats: Japan were killed in the paint by the Philippines on Day 2, so expect coach Julio Lamas to make some adjustments as they tussle with an even bigger Boomers quintet. Australia won't have Angus Brandt in this game, but they still have an imposing frontline composed of Daniel Kickert, Matthew Hodgson, Nicholas Kay and Brandt's replacement, Lucas Walker. If Lamas's big men like the Takeuchi twins, Tenketsu Harimoto, Ira Brown and Atsuya Ota can hold their own in this game, Japan may have a chance at springing an upset.

FIBA