An international training match for the Japanese women’s basketball team ahead of the Paris Olympics was held in Sapporo on the 20th, with Japan, ranked 9th in the world, comfortably defeating their powerful opponent Australia, ranked 3rd, 96-85.

Images in this article (6 images)

Japan was behind in the early stages, but turned the game around midway through the first quarter and took control. Despite being hindered by Australia’s inside play and tough, contact-heavy defense, Japan’s weapons, the three-point shots by Saki Hayashi (Fujitsu) and Evelyn Maugui (DENSO), and the speedy passing by the guards Rui Machida (Fujitsu) and Saori Miyazaki (ENEOS), were utilized in solid plays.

Just before the end of the first half, Machida, a local of Hokkaido, scored a three-point buzzer-beater, making a spectacular return to the national team for the playmaker who was unable to play in February’s final world qualifying round, where Japan qualified for the Paris Olympics, due to injury.

Entering the second half, with Japan trailing by double digits at 52-41, there were times when Australia, with their excellent shooting, including three-pointers, were able to close the gap, but Japan managed to hold on to the lead thanks to good offensive teamwork and a steady stream of three-point shots, and won a comfortable victory over the formidable Australian opponent, 96-85.

Evelyn leads the team with her versatile play, Japan’s challenge is defense

Evelyn Magua led the team with 20 points, including four three-point shots, and her bold drives to the basket showed her presence as the team’s driving force.

There were also many scenes where the strengths of individual players were put to good use, such as Hayashi making five of his signature three-point shots.

Japan also fought well, forcing 24 turnovers (loss of offensive rights due to mistakes other than shooting) from Australia, but on the other hand, there were many scenes where they allowed the taller Australian players to take shots under the basket, forcing the score difference to be narrowed. This once again left Japan with some defensive issues to work on, as they will be competing against teams with similar physical differences, such as Germany, the United States, and Belgium, in the actual Paris Olympics.

The Japanese women’s national team will play their second match against Australia on the 21st, and then play friendly matches against New Zealand (world ranking 26th) at Ariake Arena in Tokyo on July 4th and 6th.

In addition, the Japanese men’s national team will play against Australia in Sapporo on the 22nd and 23rd, and against South Korea in Tokyo on July 5th and 7th.

Fuji Television will broadcast live the women’s national team match between Japan and New Zealand from 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th.