Olympic Tokyo 2020 : Women's Basketball - Japan vs France

Japan defeated France 74-70 in their first game of the Tokyo Olympics women's basketball tournament, thanks to a strong defensive effort and vicious three-point shooting strategy.

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Japan team celebrates after scoring a basket with teammates.

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To lead a balanced Japanese offensive, Japan #27 Saki Hayashi scored 12 points off the bench, while starters Japan #0 Moeko Nagaoka and Japan #8 Maki Takada each contributed 11 and 10 points. Japan #13 Rui Machida was the driving force, with seven points on 3-for-3 shooting and 11 assists.

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Japan #13 Rui Machida with her fast attack slipped from France #5 Endene Miyem guard and scoring a basket for the team.

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Rebound is always the key to bring a team for their victory. Japan #8 Maki Takada take a rebound from France #10 Sarah Micheal.

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Japan #0 Moeko Nagaoka attempts a three-pointer with less than one minute left in the fourth quarter against France. This points secure their win.

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Japan (JPN) 74 - 70 (FRA) France
13 [Quarter1] 17
21 [Quarter2] 19
18 [Quarter3] 13
22 [Quarter4] 21

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Japan will face the United States, the six-time Olympic winners, next, and they may have to do it without bench weapon Nako Motohashi, who was injured after a French player fell on her leg.

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USA #9 A'Ja Wilson one of the top performer during the previous match, with the most points and most rebounds on the team.

Current Tournament summary

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