SAPPORO (Japan) - There were plenty of cheers from the home fans in Sapporo as Japan went off from long-range to take down Australia 96-85 in the first of two Mitsui Fudosan Cup matchups.
The highly entertaining meeting between both teams took place in front of an excited crowd as Japan fans revelled in watching their team sink a stunning 20 triples in the contest.
Saki Hayashi led the way from long-range as she dropped no fewer than five scores from the arc, with Evelyn Mawuli dropping four from downtown. The duo recorded 15 and 20 points respectively for the winning side.
In what is key preparation ahead of the Olympic Women's Basketball Tournament 2024, Japan had everyone recalling their exploits on home soil at the last edition of the games.
Not just because of their three-point deluge, but also because they even has Rui Machida back in the mix and handing out dimes. The playmaker who has a record-breaking Olympics three years ago dished up six assists.
Meanwhile the Opals were left at least comforted by their overall display with out some key ballers, with the added plus of Marianna Tolo returning to the green and gold with 11 points and six assists. Steph Reid also helped her bid for a place on the Paris roster with 7 dimes.
Both teams go up against each again in what promises to be a super second meeting at the Hokkaido Sports Center on June 21.
FIBA