JAPAN swept its first window of the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers, defeating China, 76-73, on Sunday at the Ariake Coliseum.
Yudai Baba had 24 points, while Joshua Hawkinson had 14 points and 13 rebounds as Japan began the qualifiers with a 2-0 win-loss record in Group C.
The victory, according to Fiba, was the first of Japan against China in a major international competition since 1936.
Japan’s win was a follow-up to its 77-56 victory over Guam in a game that was also held at home.
There were still some nervy moments in the contest even after Japan led by as many as nine points with Zhu Junlong missing a three-pointer in the final possession of the game.
China fell to 1-1 even after it led by as many as 11 points in the contest.
Hu Jinqiu had 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Hu Mingxuan added 20 points for China.
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