Japan's Women's Basketball team saw its World Cup aspirations cut short on Tuesday as it fell to Hungary 84-63 in a quarterfinal match held in Berlin.
Quarterfinal Outcome
The loss marked the end of a campaign that had begun with Japan sitting tenth in the world rankings and finishing third in Group A, while Hungary, ranked nineteenth and runner-up in Group B, moved on to meet the United States.
Early in the contest Japan trailed, but a surge in the second quarter brought them within striking distance before Hungary's superior shooting proved decisive after the break.
The Japanese side was hampered by the absence of its primary three‑point threat, guard Saki Hayashi, whose right arm injury limited her effectiveness and forced a more conservative offensive approach.
Despite the setback, Japan's scoring was anchored by point guard Kokoro Tanaka, who contributed 11 points, while veterans Norika Konno and Mai Yamamoto added nine each.
Hungary will now await the four‑time defending champion United States in the semifinals, a match that could determine the next chapter of women's international basketball.