Despite the best efforts of Makoto Hiejima, Japan on Sunday fell to its fourth consecutive loss in Asian FIBA World Cup qualifying, a clutch runner from the Philippines' Jayson Castro with 10 seconds to go ensuring victory in an 89-84 win in Manila.
Hiejima was one of the few bright spots for coach Julio Lamas' team, the swingman finishing the game with 23 points on better-than 72 percent shooting from the floor. Ira Brown provided some of the very little back up he received, scoring 16 points.
Japan's lack of physicality on the boards — the Philippines finished with a 47-29 rebounding advantage, including 19 on the offensive end — along with non-existent bench production gave the Akatsuki Five an uphill battle.