Veterans Kosuke Takeuchi and Ryota Sakurai powered Hayabusa Japan at both ends of the floor in a 60-50 win over China in the FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals at Ota City General Gymnasium on Thursday night.
Takeuchi led Japan with 18 points and 10 rebounds — five of which were offensive — and Sakurai followed with 13 points and seven boards to send the hosts into Friday night's semifinals against Qatar.
"We're relieved we've reached the final four, which we'd wanted to accomplish," said Japan captain Sakurai, who went 5-for-7 from the field, after the game. "But actually we weren't relaxed today as we entered the final round and couldn't play as we wanted to, dropping some shots and free throws we were supposed to make. But it was our defense that gave us the win."