Lebanon beat Japan to make FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals
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The Lebanon team played in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Al-Jawhara Arena and dominated defensively and offensively.
The victory keeps Lebanon's podium hopes alive as they prepare for a quarterfinal showdown with New Zealand, while Japan bowed out at 2-2.
Dedric Lawson, the most valuable player of the franchise, led the charge with a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double. He also added three assists, two steals and a block, controlling the paint on both ends.
Lawson, who had a special night on court, told Arab News: 'My last two games weren't too great, but my teammates have lifted me up throughout this tournament, so I'm just here to fight for them and give those guys what they want.'
He continued: 'Japan is a great team and I am really glad we beat them.'
In the post-press conference, Lebanon coach Miodrag Perisic told the press that he was proud of his players.
'Congratulations to our guys, who are really amazing. They showed character and showed who they are,' he said.
Lebanon's Sergio El-Darwish said: 'It was a great game. We were very focused. We had a team meeting yesterday.
'Things weren't going well, but in this game, we showed who we are. We played defense first. When we play our kind of basketball, it's tough for us to get beaten.'
In another quarterfinal qualification on Tuesday, two-time champions South Korea advanced by beating Guam 99-66 victory at King Abdullah Sports City.
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