Japan sweeps Gilas Cadet in friendlies

Japan completed a clean sweep of the Meralco-Gilas Cadet team as the hosts downed the visitors, 88-61, in the final game of the exhibition series dubbed the 2013 Pocari Sweat Challenge last Sunday night in Tokyo, Japan.

Kosuke Takeuchi proved to be the biggest thorn on the side of the Philippine delegation as he posted 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Japanese to the rout. The Meralco-Cadet squad was a worthy opponent to the cohesive Japanese team that is also preparing for the Fiba Asia Men’s Championship next month in Manila.

Japan opened the series with an 86-67 win last Friday and followed that up with an 83-76 win last Saturday before Sunday’s dominating win.

Meralco’s prospective import Chris Blake led the squad with 16 points while Kevin Alas and Reynel Hugnatan had 12 and 10 points, respectively. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio