FIBA Asia Cup 2025: Japan beat Lebanon in the thrilling opener

Japan - Lebanon 72-68

Japan beat Lebanon 72-68 in the thrilling opener. Minami Yabu (178-F-2004) led the winners with 19 points as Japan overcame a slow start.
It was Lebanon to start with a comfortable 26-16 run in the first quarter. Japan woke up immediately in the second frame and after a 28-15 surge took a 3-point halftime advantage. Japan added a 12-9 narrow win in the third quarter and survived a 72-68 win.
Kokoro Tanaka (171-SG-2006) poured in 11 points and Yuki Miyazawa (183-F-1993, college: Queens, NY) notched 9. Rebecca Akl (170-PG-1992) replied with 27 points and 12 rebounds in a loss, whilst Amar Mansour (178-PG-2004) had 19.