Japan and Australia Clash in Thrilling Olympic Warm-Up Game

The excitement is building for the Paris Olympics, and Japan’s men’s basketball team is gearing up for the big event. In a thrilling warm-up game against Australia, the two teams clashed in a nail-biting 95-95 tie at the Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center.

The action unfolds on the court

Yuki Kawamura, the Yokohama B-Corsairs guard, stole the show with a clutch three-pointer off the dribble, taking his tally to a game-high 28 points, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. The home crowd erupted in cheers as Kawamura brought the game to a fever pitch.

“I just tried to stay focused and play my game,” Kawamura said in a post-game interview. “I’m glad I could help the team get the tie.”

Akatsuki Japan looked to go ahead on their final trip down the floor, but Yudai Baba was stripped on the break, and his appeal for a foul call fell on deaf ears.

Kawamura drives to the basket

Australia center Sam Froling was fouled at the rim with under a second remaining but went 0-for-2 at the line, leaving the exhibition game tied at the final buzzer with no overtime to be played.

Center Josh Hawkinson added 23 points for Japan on his 29th birthday, while forward Alex Toohey top-scored with 22 for a youthful Australia roster.

The world No. 5 Boomers, who did not bring any of their NBA players, won the first encounter of the two-game series 90-89 on Saturday.

Coach Hovasse congratulates Kawamura on a game well played

Japan, ranked 26th, was without 2023 FIBA World Cup standout Yuta Watanabe and Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, whose participation in the Olympics has yet to be confirmed.

Head coach Tom Hovasse’s men will contest Group B at the Paris Games along with host France, world champion Germany, and one other opponent to be determined via the Olympic qualifying tournament.

As the Olympics draw near, Japan’s men’s basketball team is gearing up for a thrilling ride. With their sights set on the top prize, they’ll need to bring their A-game to the court.

The team celebrates a hard-fought tie

Will Japan’s men’s basketball team make it to the top of the podium in Paris? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure - they’re ready to give it their all.