Basketball

Basketball World Cup 2023: Japan Eliminated; Australia Advance to the Knockout Stage by Taking Second Place

Reuters
Australia players celebrate after the match as Japan players look dejected in FIBA World Cup 2023 First Round at Okinawa Arena on Tuesday.

The Associated Press

1:48 JST, August 30, 2023

The Dominican Republic, Australia and Italy advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup. Through play Tuesday, 10 teams have reached the final 16 with six more berths to be determined on Wednesday.

Australia, the Olympic bronze medalist two years ago in Tokyo, defeated Japan 109-89 despite 33 points from American-born Japan center Josh Hawkinson. Australia finished second in Group E behind Germany.

GROUP E — AUSTRALIA 109, JAPAN 89

At Okinawa, Josh Giddey scored 26 points, Xavier Cooks added 24 and Australia (2-1) advanced to the knockout stage by taking second place behind group winner Germany. The Tokyo Olympic bronze medalists entered the World Cup as one of the favorites.

AP Photo/Hiro Komae
Japan center Josh Hawkinson (24), from left, Australia forward Nick Kay (15), center Duop Reath (26) and Japan forward Yuta Watanabe (12) go for a rebound in the second half of their Basketball World Cup group E match in Okinawa, southern Japan, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023.

AP Photo/Hiro Komae
Japan guard Makoto Hiejima (6) and Australia forward Nick Kay (15) fight for a loose ball in the first half of their Basketball World Cup group E match in Okinawa, southern Japan, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023.

Japan (1-2) disappointed home fans and could not repeat its rousing come-from-behind win on Sunday against Finland. Hawkinson led Japan with 33 points and Yuta Watanabe chipped in with 24.

Hawkinson hit 12 of 13 2-point field goal attempts and was 1 of 3 on 3-pointers.