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.
Team Japan could clinch the top spot in the group, which merits a direct qualification to the last eight, with a victory against Iran on Tuesday, September 2, 11:30 local time at the MBank Arena.
Currently at 1-0, the young Team Melli are scheduled to take on Kazakhstan later at 14:00 local time.
*This article will be updated.