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Gonzaga Basketball

Rui Hachimura’s 21 points lead Japan past Korea at U19 World Cup

Gonzaga’s Rui Hachimura enjoys his time in the locker room at University of Phoenix Stadium during the Final Four. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)

Japan, led by Gonzaga forward Rui Hachimura, got off to a fast start and a blazing finish to rally past Korea 77-64 Friday at FIBA U19 World Cup in Cairo.

Hachimura finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocked shots for Japan, which improved to 2-3 in the tournament.

Hachimura had nine points, three assists and two rebounds as Japan led 25-11 after one quarter. Korea outscored Japan 47-22 in the second and third quarters.

Japan turned it around with a 30-6 edge in the fourth. Japan scored the game’s last 12 points, six on Hachimura free throws.

Hachimura was 4 of 8 from the field and made all 12 of his free throws.

Japan faces host Egypt on Saturday in a classification game.

FIBA via YouTube