Hayashi’s 3 lifts Japan into semis, ousting Belgium 86-85
05 August, 2021
Saki Hayashi hit a 3-pointer with 15.2 seconds left, and Japan advanced to the semifinals by edging Olympic newcomer Belgium 86-85 Wednesday.
Japan joined the U.S. and Serbia in the semifinals of the women’s basketball tournament Friday and will face either Spain or France.
Yuki Miyazawa made three of her seven 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, helping Japan erase Belgium’s nine-point lead. Japan tied it the game four times down the stretch to set up the thrilling finish.
Hayashi put Japan ahead to stay with her 3 from near the top of the key with 15.2 seconds left. Kim Mestdagh had a shot to give Belgium the win, but her pull-up jumper from near the free throw line as time expired bounced off the rim.
Then the celebration began for the host nation. Players rushed the court, hugging teammates and yelling out exhilarating screams of joy after advancing to the medal round.
Source: the-japan-news.com