Japan rout Syria in Jeddah

Japan - Syria 99-68

Japan rout Syria in Jeddah to open their FIBA Asia Cup 2025. The favorites posted a 99-68 comfortable win in Group B opener.
Japan started better, however Syria replied with a massive 28-14 surge in the second frame. Japan meanwhile needed a 28-10 rally in the third quarter and nailed massive 39 points in the last stanza.
Josh Hawkinson (208-F-1995, college: WSU) delivered a monster performance with 26 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks, while Hirotaka Yoshii (196-F/G-1998) added 17 points, 4 boards, 4 assists and 2 steals. Keron DeShields (190-PG-1992, college: Tennessee St., agency: Diamond Sports) replied with 21 points in a loss.