The Japan women¡¯s national team began defense of its FIBA Asia Women¡¯s Championship title from 2013 with a 59-53 Group A victory over South Korea on Saturday in Wuhan, China.
Ramu Tokashiki and Sanae Motokawa had 12 points apiece for Japan, which led 31-30 at halftime of their 2015 tournament opener.
Japan¡¯s Yuka Mamiya contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds and Maki Takada poured in 10 points. Captain Asami Yoshida supplied seven points, six rebounds, six assists and five steals.
Tokashiki, who¡¯s having a solid rookie season for the WNBA¡¯s Seattle Storm, added nine rebounds and two blocks.
Japan struggled from 3-point range, making 2 of 13 shots. But coach Tomohide Utsumi¡¯s club out-rebounded South Korea 40-33 and forced 19 turnovers.
South Korea shot 37.5 percent (3-for-8) at the free-throw line.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.