Japan downs Finland, becomes first Asian team to win in 2023 FIBA World Cup

Japan became the first Asian team to win in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

On Sunday, Japan took down Finland, 98-88, in their group phase match at the Okinawa Arena.

After being down 73-63 at the end of the third period, Japan unleashed a 35-point romp in the final period and limited Finland to just 15 points to take the win.

Joshua Hawkinson registered a double-double performance of 28 points and 19 rebounds, while Yuki Kawamura had 25 points on top of nine assists for Japan.

Lauri Markkanen, meanwhile, paced Finland with 27 points.

With the win, Japan improved to 1-1 while the Finland squad went down to 0-2.

The two teams, who are included in Group E, are fighting for the remaining one of two slots as Germany already qualified to the second round from their group with two wins. Australia is also holding a 1-1 slot.

Japan will face the Aussies on Tuesday.

The best Asian country in the standings of the World Cup will have a berth for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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As of writing, other Asian teams such as the Philippines, China, Jordan, Iran, and Lebanon have yet to win in the tournament.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News