Japan bounces back, trips Hong Kong in FIBA-Asia Championship

Yuta WATANABE (light) of Japan vs Siu Wing CHAN (dark) of Hongkong. Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Japan rebounded from its opening game defeat to Qatar with a 76-59 hard-fought win over debuting Hong Kong in Group B of the 27th FIBA-Asia men’s Championship Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Japan, which ended the third quarter on a high note to create separation after just leading by one, 41-40, at the half, put its 74-75 defeat last Thursday behind thanks to the efforts of Naoto Tsuji and JR Sakuragi.

Tsuji led the Japanese squad with 17 points while Sakuragi notched a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Chun Wai Wong paced HK with 23 points.
 

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