JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - Rui Hachimura led all scorers with 29 points as Japan overpowered Saudi Arabia 106-78 in their opening Group F game of the Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers on Thursday.
The Los Angeles Clippers forward earlier this month made his first appearance for the national team since the 2024 Paris Olympics during a warm-up game against South Korea in Tokyo.
Hachimura had 18 first-half points on perfect 6-for-6 shooting from the field to lead world No. 22 Japan into the main break up 56-40 over the 65th-ranked Saudis at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
The Saudis had no answer for the 28-year-old star despite sending double teams and keeping him under close defensive attention.
"We were bailed out by his individual brilliance," Japan head coach Dai Oketani said. "He really is amazing."
Akatsuki Japan center Josh Hawkinson added 21 points and guard Keisei Tominaga chipped in with 14 off the bench.
The second round of Asian qualifying features 12 teams divided into two groups, competing in a home-and-away format. With Qatar already through as host, seven other teams from Asia and Oceania will advance to the World Cup.
With results from the first qualifying phase carrying over, Japan's overall record now stands at five wins and two losses. Japan faces Qatar in Tokyo on Monday.
