Japan eyes payback vs Gilas

Japan still has to make two final cuts for its game against Gilas Pilipinas on Friday in the first round of the Fiba Asia World Cup Qualifying series as coach Julio Lamas tries to get payback against the Filipinos.

Star center Joji Takeuchi has practically promised a victory for the Japanese in the match set at Komazawa Olympic Park General Sports Ground Stadium in Tokyo, with their last two losses to the Filipinos still fresh in his mind.

“We will surely get them back this time,” the 6-foot-10 Takeuchi told Fiba.com after recounting two losses to Gilas in the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship.

Like the Philippines, Japan will unveil its final 12 on the eve of the contest.

Gilas, meanwhile, took a 15-man pool to Japan on Tuesday morning, and conspicuously absent was leading scorer Terrence Romeo, the PBA superstar guard who is nursing a leg injury.

Author: Musong R. Castillo, Inquirer
Full Article: http://sports.inquirer.net/273243/japan-eyes-payback-vs-gilas