DONGGUAN (China) - Fujitsu clicked from deep early and never let up on the way to dealing Al Ula Club a harsh welcome, 128-43, in the FIBA WBL Asia 2025 opener, Tuesday at the Dongguan Sports Center.
Riho Akagi knocked down back-to-back three-pointers about 43 seconds into the match and that enabled the others to get going as well, as they collectively constructed a 28-6 lead before the first concluded.
The Red Wave already nailed six triples in just the game's first 10 minutes but didn't stop there, making six more in the ensuing quarter for a 59-22 advantage entering the break as they totally had their way.
Ultimately, they finished with a total of 23 shots from downtown, indeed a statement for a squad that's aiming for bigger things after settling for a bronze-medal finish during the WBL Asia inaugurals last year.
"It was a tough schedule, playing a 9 o'clock game. But the players were ready, and I appreciate them all," said head coach Hikaru Kusaka.
Yuki Miyazawa bannered Fujitsu's offense with 22 points on a 6-of-10 clip from beyond the arc, alongside 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, netting an efficiency of 33 in a turnover-less performance in 17 minutes.
Maho Hayashi finished with 22 points as well and 5 rebounds. Akagi registered 21 points and 8 assists, with Kasumi Soto supplying 16 points plus 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals - all under 16 minutes.
Aki Fujimoto and Ibuki Oku came through with 13 points apiece and combined for 15 rebounds as a total of six players finished in double figures in the wire-to-wire victory.
Fujitsu will look to continue their fiery form against another debuting ball club in Busan BNK Sum of Korea in the final day of the Group Phase on Friday, September 26. Game time is at 16:30 local time.
Chennedy Carter and Queen Egbo, on the other hand, led Al Ula with 13 and 11 points, respectively, as the former WNBA standouts were the only players in twin digits in the tough defeat.
The club from Saudi Arabia will look to get their first win against BNK Sum as well on Thursday, September 25, also at 16:30, with the hope of course to keep their hopes of advancing to the Semi-Finals alive.s
FIBA