Japan Ends Decades-Long Losing Streak Against China
At long last, Japan put an end to a decades-long losing streak against China. The Akatsuki Five beat Team Dragon for the first time in nearly 90 years as they hacked out a stunning 76-73 home win to sweep the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on Sunday, February 25.
Key Players and Performances
Yudai Baba delivered 24 points on 4-of-6 clip from long distance to go with 4 rebounds and 2 assists to lead Japan to its first win over China since the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany. Baba, who last played for the Texas Legends in the NBA G League, showed his mettle by scattering one-third of his scoring output in the pivotal fourth quarter as the Akatsuki Five took solo lead in Group C with a 2-0 record.
Naturalized big man Joshua Hawkinson backstopped Baba with a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Yuki Kawamura fired 12 points. Hawkinson came up clutch, turning his own steal to a dunk for a 75-70 lead with 1:10 minutes remaining as Japan fended off a late China rally.
Final Moments of the Game
Team Dragon pulled within 73-75 off a Cheng Shuaipeng triple, but Makoto Hiejima sank a free throw for the final tally, forcing China guard Zhu Junlong to take a three-pointer that ultimately missed. Hu Jinqiu finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds to pace China, which fell to 1-1.