Japan's aspirations of an unlikely run to the men's basketball quarterfinals on the back of Rui Hachimura were dashed Sunday when Argentina handed them a 97-77 defeat, ending the hosts' tournament.
Hachimura entered the game averaging 27 points per outing -- second highest across the entire tournament -- but against Argentina the Washington Wizards player came crashing back to earth, tallying just 13 points on 6-for-17 shooting from the floor.
With their biggest weapon misfiring at Saitama Super Arena, Japan's chances of getting a first win in three tries were lost. Australia-based Yudai Baba put up 18 points to pace the Japanese and the team's other NBA talent, Yuta Watanabe, contributed 17.
Japan kept the game close until a mid-first quarter scoring drought created separation. They cut the deficit to four early in the third quarter, but that was as close as they got.
Guard Daiki Tanaka said he believes this team has made a long-term impact on the game in Japan, despite a lack of on-court success.
"I think the next generation of players who will carry this team forward are watching us on television," Tanaka said.
"We have created a platform for the future here and I think we can build on that. We need to continue evolving."
The ageless Luis Scola, who was on the Argentina team that won gold in 2004 and has played at each Olympics since, rumbled to a game-high 23 points in large part thanks to his 5-for-8 shooting from three. He also grabbed 10 boards.
Denver Nuggets facilitator Facundo Campazzo tallied 17 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds, setting the tone for an Argentina team that moves the ball willingly and effectively, a trait that has made them a sum of more than their parts for years.
Campazzo hailed the vital role Scola plays on the team.
"It's amazing. He's a hell of a player. He's a role (model) of life and basketball. We have to be thankful for having him," he said.
"He teaches you a lot. He doesn't need to talk with you, you can see him in the gym, working out, talking with the press, and he's still teaching you."
For Japan, a tournament that began with much hype ends with little to celebrate, only questions as to whether they will develop the required depth to qualify on merit in 2022.
