Japan have claimed a 79-72 victory over the Tall Blacks in Ōta City overnight, in the first of two friendly games between the two countries as they prepare for the FIBA World Cup later this month.
After claiming a 29-17 lead after the first quarter – fuelled by a 10-0 run heading into the break – the Kiwis were outscored 24-10 in the second period to trail by two at the half. Both teams scored 21 points apieces in the third quarter, before Japan was able to pull away in the final period to win by seven.
The loss came despite New Zealand winning the rebounding battle 42-37 and both teams shooting around the 42% mark from the field; turnovers were a deciding factor as the Kiwis registered 20 miscues (versus just 9 from Japan) which the hosts turned into 25 points.
For New Zealand, Finn Delany led all scores with 16 points along with 7 rebounds, while Reuben Te Rangi had 15 and Izayah Le’Afa 12 and 4 assists; all three players hitting a trio of shots from outside the arc. Flynn Cameron had 7 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, Jordan Ngatai 6 and Tohi Smith-Milner and Sam Timmins with 4 points each. Isaac Fotu and Shea Ili both sat out the game.
For Japan, Keisei Tominaga led with 13 points, while Yudai Baba had 12, Yuki Togashi 11 and Hugh Watanabe tallied 10 points and 7 rebounds. As a team, Japan hit 15 triples on the night at a 33% clip.
The two teams face each other again on Friday night from 10pm NZT, before the Tall Blacks depart to Istanbul, Turkey to continue their preparation tour leading up to the FIBA World Cup.
Stats:
New Zealand 72 – Delany 16 PTS & 7 REB | Te Rangi 15 PTS | Le’Afa 12 PTS & 4 AST | Cameron 7 PTS & 7 REB & 4 AST | Ngatai 6 PTS | Smith-Milner 4 PTS | Timmins 4 PTS | Wetzell 2 PTS & 4 REB & 4 AST | Harris 2 PTS | Britt 2 PTS | Brown 2 PTS
Japan 79 – Tominaga 13 PTS | Baba 12 PTS | Togashi 11 PTS | Watanabe 10 PTS & 7 REB | Kawamura 7 PTS & 5 REB & 7 AST
Quarter scores: 29-17, 39-41, 60-62, 72-79.
