Japan edges Lebanon in women's basketball Asia Cup opener

SHENZHEN: Japan fended off Lebanon s challenges to emerge victorious 72 68 in the opening game of the FIBA Women s Asia Cup here on Sunday. Lebanon...

SHENZHEN: Japan fended off Lebanon's challenges to emerge victorious 72-68 in the opening game of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup here on Sunday.

Lebanon, ranked 54th in the world, was down 58-57 with five minutes on the clock, but could not turn the game around against the ninth-ranked Japan, who pulled away again with its signature fast breaks and outside shots, and Kokoro Tanaka's two free throws with 0.2 seconds remaining secured the win.

Minami Yabu led Japan with 19 points, and Tanaka added 11.

"Our game started at 1:30 p.m, and I think we started at 2 p.m" joked Japan coach Corey Gaines, referring to his team's slow start. "I wish I had the answer about why we didn't play well ... I can't answer that question. I don't know."

Despite its disadvantage in overall strength, Lebanon was the better side at the start, as Rebecca Akl's 3-pointer midway through the first quarter earned the underdog a 10-point lead, which lasted until the end of the opening period.