POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Seiya Ando
Yemen U18 - Japan U18 64:68
Japan posted the third straight win at the U18 Asia Championship in Yemen. They held off the hosts to win preliminary Group D. Yemen suffered the first defeat at the tournament and advanced into the Qualifying Round from the second spot in the pools ladder. Seiya Ando (184-G-92) was impressive with 31 points for Japan.
The teams stayed close in the starting moments but Japan soon took off. They went on a 12:3 rally to post a 21:11 lead at the first break. Yemen managed to get within four points midway through the second term. Kodai Kimura (190-G/F-92) crowned the half with two free throws and Japan recorded a 38:30 lead. Yemen put up a fierce fight in the third stanza. The home team put the fans to their feet as they got within just one point 49:50 with ten minutes to go. Abdulaziz Moqbel (188-F-93) finally drew things level at 60 with just over two minutes to go. However Seiya Ando and Takumi Mitsuyama (183-G-92) came up with key points for Japan as they escaped with a narrow win at the end.
Takumi Mitsuyama knocked down 13 points in the win. Kodai Kimura added 6 points for Japan. Mohammed Yaeesh (182-G-93) responded with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for Yemen. Sabri Sadaqah (188-F-93) contributed 14 points and 9 boards in the loss.
Yemen U18: Mohammed Yaeesh 21, Sabri Sadaqah 14
Japan U18: Seiya Ando 31, Takumi Mitsuyama 13, Kodai Kimura 6
