Akatsuki Japan drop close game to Australia's NBL Select team to start Paris 2024 prep

Akatuski Japan just fell short of starting their Paris 2024 buildup with a bang, dropping a close one against Australia, 89-90, in the Nippon Life Cup 2024 Saturday, June 22, in Sapporo.

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Tied at 86 inside the final 30 seconds, Mitch Norton hit a booming three for the lead as Australia managed to snatch the victory despite trailing by as many as 15 points in the first half.

Seven players from Japan's 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup team played in the game. Keisei Tominaga topscored for the Akatsuki Japan with 18 points, while  former B.League MVP Yuki Togashi added 16 points on four triples in a losing effort.

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Sam Froling led the way for the Boomers with 26 points, including 12 in the second half, while also grabbing 10 rebounds.

Elijah Pepper added 12 markers and Alex Condon chipped in 11 for Australia, who sent an NBL Select Team to play. None of the Boomers' Paris 2024 pool, headlined by Josh Giddey and coached by Brian Goorjian, made the trip to Hokkaido.

The two countries faced off at last year's FIBA Basketball World Cup in Okinawa, with the Boomers dominating Japan, 109-89, to make the second round.

Nevertheless, Japan was still able to secure an Olympic slot by virtue of being top-performing Asian team, finishing with a 3-2 record for 19th place.

Akatsuki Japan and the Boomers will play a rematch Sunday, June 23. Japan will then host South Korea in the SoftBank Cup 2024 in Tokyo in the first week of July.

Story Summary:

• Akatsuki Japan narrowly misses victory, losing 89-90 to Australia in the thrilling opener to the Nippon Life Cup 2024.
• Keisei Tominaga and Yuki Togashi shine with 18 and 16 points respectively for Japan, despite late-game heroics from Mitch Norton to secure Australia's win.
• Japan aims to rebound in rematch with Australia as the Akatuski continue their preparations for Paris 2024.

[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital team. The summary was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]