TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Home court advantage was not enough on Monday as Taiwan fell to Japan 80-73 at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifier group play, marking its second consecutive defeat to Japan.

Taiwan kept pace with the higher-ranked Japanese squad through three quarters, entering the fourth tied. But Taiwan’s shooting percentage plummeted, allowing Japan to pull away for a seven-point win. The loss follows a 26-point defeat to Japan in their previous matchup, per CNA.

The setback makes Taiwan’s path out of Group B even more challenging. The group includes China, South Korea, and Japan.

A loud crowd of 6,913 fans filled the arena and roared as Taiwan opened the game with a 9-0 run on three straight three-pointers, finishing the first quarter ahead 22-17. Taiwan’s shooting cooled in the second quarter, and Japan seized a 42-36 halftime lead.

The teams continued to battle after the break. With two minutes left in the third quarter, 34-year-old guard Chen Ying-chun (陳盈駿) picked up a technical foul and fouled out. Lu Chun-hsiang (盧峻翔) stepped up and helped Taiwan tie the game at 57-57 with a pair of free throws to close the quarter.

Japan opened the fourth with a decisive 16-4 run, led by Togashi Yuki’s eight points. Taiwan’s comeback hopes dimmed further when Tseng Hsiang-chun (曾祥鈞), who had contributed five points and eight rebounds, fouled out after barely a minute on the court in the fourth quarter.

Lu led Taiwan with 19 points. Lin Ting-chien (林庭謙), who excelled in the previous game, managed only nine points on 3-of-17 shooting. Japan showcased its depth, with nine players scoring, and Nishida Yuta led all scorers with 21 points.

Taiwan head coach Gianluca Tucci said that despite the defeat, he was proud of the team’s effort, noting improvements in rebounding and ball control. “Our stamina dropped a bit, and Japan was obviously more experienced,” he said. “It’s a pity we couldn’t secure the win.”

Taiwan’s remaining World Cup Asian Qualifier games are Feb. 26 at home against South Korea, March 1 at home against China, and road games on July 3 and July 6 against South Korea and China, respectively.