
Matthew Aquino was given longer minutes this time but Japan ended up falling short against Australia, 80-64, Sunday. Feb. 27 in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Okinawa Arena.
Aquino played almost 12 minutes and registered one point and three rebounds while committing a single foul but the Akatsuki Five dropped to 1-3 in Group B at the conclusion of their campaign in the second window.
Japan trailed 42-40 at the half but nine straight points by Australia to begin the third set up the lopsided result.
It was the second straight game the son of PBA legend Marlou Aquino appeared for Japan as a local player.
The 6-foot-9 cager, who traces his Japanese roots to his maternal grandmother, debuted for Japan the other day in a 76-71 win over Taiwan.
With the second window done, Aquino will refocus on his stint with the Shinshu Brave Warriors in Japan’s B.League which resumes next week.
Australia improved to 2-0, tying idle China for the lead in the group.
Nick Kay led the Boomers with 15 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists for the Boomers.