Gilas Pilipinas vs. Japan: Time, Live Stream for 2015 William Jones Cup

For Gilas Pilipinas and Japan, the 2015 William Jones Cup has been a divergent experience.

Gilas Pilipinas has started 2-1 and is coming off a huge win against previously undefeated Russia. Japan, on the other hand, has yet to win a game and is all but out of the running for the title. But there is pride to be played for as well, and Japan won't simply roll over against its more talented opponent when the two match up on Wednesday. 

Sports5 on Twitter has more info on the viewing schedule:

The game will begin at 3 a.m. ET on Wednesday. The event will also be streamed on Sports5 in the Philippines.

For Gilas, Tuesday's win against Russia should inspire the team as it tries to catch Iran, currently the only undefeated country in the tournament at 4-0. The team played an inspired, physical form of basketball in its 85-71 victory over Russia, something the team's coach, Tab Baldwin, has come to expect.

“It’s a good experience and good win for the team,” Baldwin told PBA.Inquirer.Net. “Had they backed down from them, they would have to confront me."

He added, "Everybody had to play. They made mistakes. Our game was not polished but everybody stepped up and contributed. What I liked the most was that we played with our roles—the shooters getting their shots, the rebounders getting the rebounds. From that standpoint, it’s a team win."

Francesca Litton of CNN Philippines wasn't surprised Gilas survived the physical approach from the Russians:

While balance has been important for the team, Terrence Romeo continues to shine, averaging 17.3 points and 1.6 steals per game, per 2015WJC.Basketball-TPE.org, while Calvin Abueva is giving the team 11.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game and Jayson William has been good for 11.5 points and 3.0 steals per contest.

Despite Japan's struggles—it's lost by a combined 38 points in its three games, though it lost by just two points to Chinese Taipei A (84-82)—the team isn't without talent. Keijiro Matsui dropped 20 points on the United States while Joji Takeuchi has paced the team with 16.5 points per contest.

Still, it's hard to imagine Gilas Pilipinas dropping this contest. They have the more talented side, they'll be inspired by their victory over Russia and they are playing balanced team basketball at the moment. 

For Japan, its best hope may be that its opponent is looking ahead to Wednesday's clash against Iran and overlooks the Japanese. If that's the case, a big showing from Matsui and Takeuchi may be enough to inspire the upset.

But expect Gilas Pilipinas to win a competitive and entertaining matchup, 80-72.