Akatsuki Japan were a different team in the second half, pummeling Syria for their first win of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025
Akatsuki Japan shifted into high gear in the second half to hack out a 96-68 win over Syria in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 on Wednesday, August 6 (PH time).
After a woeful first 20 minutes of action that saw them down 32-41 at halftime, the Akatsuki proved to be team on another level as they overpowered the Qasioun Eagles beginning with a 28-10 third period.
Japan was pretty much unstoppable from there as it takes the lead in Group B action of the FIBA Asia Cup, which also feature Iran and Guam.
Naturalized Japanese Joshua Hawkinson was a difference maker, churning out a double-double outing with 26 points and 13 rebounds.
He also had four assists in almost 32 minutes of play without a single turnover.
Keisei Tominaga also came up big with 18 points, seven rebounds, and a steal for Japan, who outgunned Syria in the fourth period, 39-17.
Hirotaka Yoshii added 17 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
It’s not all misery for the Qasioun Eagles, though.
After a so-so start, it appeared things were looking up for Syria in the second period after they outscored the world no. 21 Japanese, 28-14.
But it was all downhill off the break. Not even Keron Deshield’s near-triple double performance of 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists could help them survive Japan’s relentless offense.
Christian James Maram had 14 points for Syria, while Omar Ali added 10 points and three rebounds.