Japan just pumped life into its second-round hopes in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifers.
This after the Japanese ballers refused to let their home crowd down, stunning Australia, 79-78, in their match on Friday in China.
Former Petron import Nik Fazekas fired 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Rui Hachimura churned out 24 markers for Japan, which is fighting for survival in Group B.
Japan improved to a 1-4 record.
Japan scored four straight baskets inside the final 20 seconds capped by Hachimura's breakaway slam with 11.3 ticks remaining to make it 79-74, which sealed the much-needed victory.
The Aussies would score four more after that but time was simply not on their side.
While it was a no-bearing match for the group leader Australia, which absorbed its first defeat in five games, Japan badly needed a win heading into their crucial match against Chinese-Taipei.
Chinese-Taipei also holds a 1-4 card.
Australia, which plays Gilas Pilipinas on Monday at the Philippine Arena, was paced by Christopher Goulding's 22 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Thon Maker had 13 points and 12 rebounds. Nicholas Kay and Daniel Kickert added 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
The Scores:
Japan 79 - Fazekas 25, Hachimura 24, Baba 8, Hiejima 6, Takeuchi 6, Shinoyama 4, Tanaka 4, Tsuji 2, Togashi 0.
Australia 78 - Goulding 22, Maker 13, Kay 12, Kickert 10, McCarron 7, Dellavedova 4, Cadee 4, Gliddon 3, Brandt 2, Sobey 1, Lisch 0.
Quarterscores 16-23, 42-33, 64-58, 79-78