ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - Japan turned it up in the second period and never looked back to beat Saudi Arabia, 78-58, and stay perfect in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 Monday at the Buyant Ukhaa Sport Complex.
The three-time medalists actually trailed early but took the lead before the first quarter closed, then went on a 29-8 scoring tear in the ensuing frame to crush the opposition for a commanding 47-25 lead entering the break.
Never would the match be in question since as the East Asian crew cruised to their second win in as many games, enabling themselves to seize the provisional lead in Group D - and move closer to the Quarter-Finals.
Four players finished in double figures for the Japanese, with Keiji Koshi leading the way with 18 points.
Jack Shiratani and Shusei Takahashi came through with 14 points apiece and combined for 11 rebounds while Zen Hawkins supplied 11 points, majority of which he made during the second half to help inflate the lead.
Leading Saudi, meanwhile, were Thamer Alqattan and Mohammed Alzayer with 11 points each, with Abdulbaari Peake chipping in 10 in the loss that kept them winless in the tourney as they fell to 0-2.
Japan will attempt to complete the sweep against Iran on Tuesday, September 2, 11:30 a.m. at the MBank Arena but that could be easier said than done as they're bound to lock horns with a fellow spotless squad.
The young Team Melli have gone 2-0 as well following a 90-41 blowout of Kazakhstan, making their upcoming match crucial as it would be a battle for the Group D top spot, which merits an outright Quarter-Final berth.
Amir Azari top-scored for the West Asian side with 18 points and 6 rebounds.
The duo of Bardiya Khosravi and Alireza Rashidi scored 14 points each and hauled down 10 rebounds combined, while Yasin Morovat Halabi and Mohammad Benia added 12 and 10 points, respectively, in the victory.
Iran built a 27-16 lead after the game's first 10 minutes and never went complacent after that, limiting their foes' output to a single digit in each of the next three quarters as they went hard especially on defense.
None from Kazakhstan was able to score in double digits.
The CABA representatives have gone 0-2 following another defeat, but will have a chance to change their fortunes when they take on Saudi Arabia in a meeting between winless sides set Tuesday at 14:00 local time.
The winner will boost their bid of reaching the Qualification to Quarter-Finals.
FIBA