Olympic Games: Japan nip Belgium to enter semis

Yuki Miyazawa

Japan - Belgium 86-85

Saki Hayashi drained a three-pointer with 16 seconds left in regulation to propel Japan past Belgium in a thrilling quarterfinal battle in Tokyo. Yuki Miyazawa (183-F-93, college: Queens, NY) finished with 21 points to pace the hosts into the semifinal round.
Japan held Belgium to 16 points in the opening quarter and secured a 3-point lead. Belgium picked up the tempo in the second frame. They dropped 26 points to gain a 42-41 halftime lead. Belgium continued to dominate in the third quarter. They added 26 points in the period to ensure a 7-point advantage at the final break. Japan though turned the tables in the fourth quarter. Maki Takada (183-C-89) drew things even at 83 with less than a minute to go. Julie Allemand (173-PG-96, agency: LBM Management) sank two free throws to take Belgium an 85-83 lead. But Saki Hayashi hit a decisive three-pointer late in regulation to win the game for Japan. Maki Takada delivered 19 points in the victory. Emma Meesseman (192-C-93, agency: LBM Management) responded with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Kim Mestdagh (179-SG-90, college: Colorado St.) dropped 24 points in the defeat.