Beijing, January 22 - Comments from players Takubo Ikumi (JPN) and player Takabayashi Mika (JPN) after Germany beat Japan 48-43 in the preliminary round.

Takubo Ikumi (JPN) - Forward

On losing advantage in the third quarter:

"We didn't keep our advantage because our shooting rates have gone down and lacked energY to move actively on the court."

On time-outs in the third quarter:

"Our coach called three time-outs because we couldn't keep our tempo very well and he told us to adjust."

On the home crowd:

"Yes, I had noticed them. I was very happy to see tham and felt grateful to them."

Takabayashi Mika (JPN) - Guard

On the highlights at the beginning of the match:

"We designed a set ot strategies exclusively for Germany after getting an insight into their feature."

On changing strategy:

"Germany developed a strategy to counter ours after the first quarter, so we changed our strategy too."

On Amimoto Mari's shooting:

"She didn't have many chances in this match as Germany had watched her closely. So we passed the ball to Takubo Ikumi (No.12) and let her do the shootings."

On GER's defense:

"Though they had the advantage of height, it didn't threaten us. But their blocking put us under pressure."