Today, in the final match of Group B in the Olympic Men’s Basketball tournament, Japan faces Brazil.
In the first quarter, Yuki Fujita delivered a brilliant pass to assist Hokinson for an alley-oop score and later nailed an incredible three-pointer. Hokinson followed up with another three-pointer. Brazil woke up and scored 10 consecutive points. Yuki Fujita then hit another three-pointer to stabilize the situation and soon after completed a 2+1 play. However, Brazil, led by Caboclo, went on an 11-0 run. Yoshiyuki Yoshii and Yuta Watanabe combined for 5 points, but Brazil responded with a 5-0 run, keeping the lead around 10 points. At the end of the first quarter, Brazil led 31-20 over Japan.
In the second quarter, Japan began to recover their three-point shooting touch, hitting three consecutive triples. Brazil focused on working inside, with Watanabe completing a 2+0 play. Japan then hit another three-pointer, reducing the deficit to two points. Fortunately, Brazil answered with a three-pointer. Felicio then made a putback basket, and Alves hit a three-pointer as Brazil went on another 11-0 run, widening the gap. After a timeout, Japan scored five straight points. Watanabe made a difficult three-pointer, prompting a timeout from Brazil. However, Japan continued to score upon resuming play, and Brazil finally broke their scoring drought with free throws. They also nailed another three-pointer shortly after.
At halftime, Brazil leads Japan 55-44.