High school basketball giant Oka Gakuen survived a late surge from St. Catalina Girls to earn a 68-65 win in the girls semifinals of the 44th All-Japan High School Tournament at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Friday.
Oka (Aichi Prefecture), the reigning champion, has advanced to its second straight final at the year-end tournament, which is dubbed the Winter Cup and is one of the three major titles in high school basketball in Japan.
Senior center Evelyn Mawuli posted a double-double for Oka Gakuen. The Ghana-born inside player had 25 points and 23 rebounds. Guard Sara Sakai followed with 17 points.
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