BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - Japan picked up their first win in Group A in the opening contest of Thursday, with a comfortable 87-49 victory over Chinese Taipei.

Despite trailing early, Japan secure the lead with a few minutes left in the first period and would not relinquish it the rest of the way. A dominant 18-5 second period saw Japan get a stranglehold on the contest to run out 38-point winners.

Makoto Hiejima and Furukawa top scored for Japan with 15 points each, whilst Chu was the only player in double figures for Chinese Taipei, also with 15.

Japan improved to 1-1, whilst Chinese Taipei dropped to the same record.