JAKARTA – Japan will be giving its all despite tough odds against the Philippines in their classification match on Tuesday in the 18th Asian Games men’s basketball tournament at the GBK Basketball Hall.
“The most important thing for tomorrow is they give their 100 percent and if we give their 100 percent, you can lose,” said Japan coach Herman Julian Mandole.
Japan will be facing the Philippines to start off the classification round in which the winner moves on in the battle-for-fifth position. The match is at 4 p.m. (5 p.m. Manila time).
Japan will be playing with only eight players after four were sent home after violating team rules when they had a ‘night with women.’
Mandole said the lack of players were evident in their loss to Iran, 93-67, in the quarterfinals as Japan was also faced with foul trouble issues in the game.
“(Having) eight players is tough,” said the Argentinian coach.
The Philippines lost to Korea, 91-82, in their quarterfinal match with Jordan Clarkson leading the Nationals with 25 points.
Mandole expressed confidence to his players that they can perform at a high level against Clarkson.
“Jordan Clarkson is a good player but… all the Japanese players are very good too. I don’t talk about Jordan Clarkson. The most important is my players,” said Mandole.
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