TAIPEI (Chinese Taipei) - Japan sealed the deal against Chinese Taipei in their first game of the Asia Cup Qualifiers 96-57, making it a memorable debut for Ryan Rossiter.

The last time Japan played at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, they had no difficulty securing the 108-68 win. Chinese Taipei made the job a bit more difficult this time, but it was not enough to keep the Akatsuki Five away from their first Qualifiers win.

Ryan Rossiter made his Japan national team debut in this game and he didn’t disappoint the anticipating Japanese fans with his performance. The 30-year-old big man not only got his points, but he also contributed with slick passing and sturdy defense.

Rossiter finished his first game for Japan with 17 points, 19 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Japan broke away with a 24-6 third quarter and cruised the rest of the way. It was also a nightmare third quarter for Chinese Taipei as they failed to make a field goal for the last 8 and a half minutes of the period.

Another standout in the game was the Kosuke Kanamaru. The sharpshooter has been away from the national team for a while, but his return is promising with 17 points on 6-9 shooting from the field.

Japan’s game in Window 2 will also be on the road as they face Malaysia on 26 November and China on 29 November. Chinese Taipei, who split their games in this first window, will be facing China on 26 November and Malaysia on 29 November.

FIBA