Indonesia Falls 53–98 to Host Japan in Asian Games Group A Opener

RRI.CO.ID, Nagoya - Indonesian men’s basketball team opened Group A of the 2026 Asian Games with a heavy 53–98 defeat to Japan in Nagoya. The opening match took place at Aichi International Arena, Nagoya, Japan, on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Yudha Saputra and his teammates were forced to concede to the host’s superiority. Japan dominated from the first quarter, scoring 29 points while holding Indonesia to just nine.

The host nation widened the gap in the second quarter with 26 additional points, while Indonesia managed only 12. In the second half, Japan maintained control through accurate shooting and effective ball movement.

The third quarter ended with a 20–14 lead for Japan, and the team sealed victory by outscoring Indonesia 23–18 in the final period. Field‑goal accuracy marked the most striking difference, with Japan shooting 47 percent compared with Indonesia’s 28 percent.

The Japanese squad also led in two‑point shooting at 50 percent and recorded 45 percent from beyond the arc. Indonesia finished with 31 percent on two‑point attempts and 25 percent from three‑point range.

Rebounding was similarly lopsided, as Japan collected 50 boards while Indonesia secured 31. The hosts also produced 26 assists and 11 turnovers, compared with Indonesia’s 11 assists and 15 turnovers.

Overall, the statistics reflected Japan’s more effective ball movement and stronger control of the game. Individually, Tsuyu Kazuma led the scoring with 23 points from eight successful field-goal attempts.

Kanechika Ren added 15 points, followed by Yamazaki Ibu with 12 and Kawashima Yuto with 11. Indonesia relied on Lester Prosper as its top scorer with 13 points, followed by Yudha Saputera with 12. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)