Strong inside play and 13-for-29 shooting from beyond the 3-point arc carried the Japan men's national team to a 92-87 Group C victory over Jordan in their FIBA Asia Championship on Friday in Wuhan, China.
Led by JBL star Joji Takeuchi's game-high 19 boards, Japan outrebounded Jordan 43-41. Kosuke Takeuchi, Joji's twin brother, grabbed seven rebounds.
"To outrebound a team like Jordan is a step forward for us," Japan coach Thomas Wisman told reporters.
"We knew the teams from West Asia are physical. I am happy we kept at them. . ."
Link Tochigi Brex standout Takuya Kawamura paced Japan with 23 points, including 4-for-8 on 3-pointers, while Shinsuke Kashiwagi scored 14. Joji Takeuchi added 13 points and Kosuke Takeuchi had 12.
Japan had 25 second-chance points to Jordan's 11. Seven Japan players made at least one 3-pointer.
Japan, 2-0 after wins over Indonesia and Japan, faces Syria in its final preliminary round game on Saturday.