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Japan vs. Turkey final score: Rui Hachimura scores 15 in 86-67 loss

The Japanese fell behind early and could never recover. Rui Hachimura still made a solid first impression on the world stage.

By Albert Lee
BASKET-WC-2019-TUR-JPN
Rui Hachimura played well for Japan against Turkey. His team however lost.
Photo credit should read HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images

Japan lost 86-67 to Turkey in their first group stage game in the FIBA World Cup on Sunday afternoon in Shanghai, China.

The Turkish raced to a 28-12 lead and never looked back. Two stats stood out. Turkey shot 52.1 percent overall while holding Japan to just 38.5 percent shooting overall. They also outrebounded the Japanese 44-26.

Ersan Ilyasova led the Turkish with 19 points and 10 rebounds while Melih Mahmutoglu added 17 points while shooting 7-of-10 from the field.

Washington Wizards rookie Rui Hachimura co-led Japan’s scorers with 15 points but he also shot 3-of-10 from the field. Despite the inefficient performance, Hachimura also shot 9-of-10 from the free throw line. His highlight of the game was this second quarter dunk over Ilyasova on the fast break.

Nick Fazekas also added 15 points but shot 6-of-9 from the field and also shot 3-of-5 from the three-point line.

The Wizards now have a Japanese language correspondent in Zac Ikuma. Watch his feature from last night here.

Tommy Sheppard is excited to see Hachimura representing his country as well.