Hungary (W) vs Japan (W) Preview and Where to Watch
- → Tipoff at 18:00 GMT on Friday, 9th February 2024.
- → Match to be played at the Arena Sopron, Sopron (Hungary).
- → Hungary was competitive against Canada but fell just short.
- → Japan ran circles around Spain, winning their first game convincingly.
Hungary looking to impose frontcourt size on Japan
On the hunt for their 2nd Olympics showing after the Moscow games in 1980, Hungary will have a tricky task as they welcome Japan to the Arena Sopron. However, their strong backcourt and size might be just the edge they need to have a shot against a Japan team that might struggle protecting the paint.
Cyesha Goree and Virag Kiss have wreaked havoc against most teams at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023, and will be looking to extend their dominance to secure a trip to Paris 2024.
Japan will be looking to turn Hungary's size against them: their playmaking and ball distribution is second to none, and they'll be trying to get Hungary's bigs outside the paint to punish from deep. The Five Reds, who shot 40% from downtown at the recent FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023, might find their sharpshooting to be exactly what they need to secure their trip to Paris.
Just like they did against Spain, Futoshi Ikeda's team will threaten a slower Hungary side from the perimeter with their three-point threat, opening the paint for high-quality shots from midrange and in the paint. Their paint defense is still an issue, however, with the Five Reds conceding a staggering 48 points in the paint against Spain.
Hungary have a chance if they exploit this weakness, but, as Gameday 1 showed, Japan is a deadly offensive team and can't be exploited in fast breaks (0 points conceded from such situations). Will Hungary's sheer size be enough for the Magyars to secure a first, crucial win in Sopron?
More: learn everything there is to know about the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
Hungary vs Japan where to watch
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