The Japan women's national team caused fits for Taiwan in their Group A match at the FIBA Asia Women's Championship on Monday.
Japan pressured Taiwan throughout the game, forcing 25 turnovers that played a big part in the defending Asian champion's 60-44 victory in Wuhan, China.
For Japan, shooting guard Chinatsu Yamamoto scored a team-high 14 points and backcourt mate Mio Shinozaki added 10, while Sanae Motokawa finished with eight. Center Yuka Mamiya chipped in with seven points and a game-high 15 rebounds.
Taiwan led 15-8 after one quarter, but Japan regrouped in the second period and took a 33-23 advantage into the locker room at halftime.
Japan outscored Taiwan 36-20 in the paint, and veteran coach Tomohide Utsumi's squad improved to 3-0 in the tournament.
Peng Szu-chin paced Taiwan with 10 points.
China plays host to Japan in a Group A second-round match on Tuesday.
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