Indonesia Opens Asian Games 2026 Basketball Campaign With Heavy Loss to Japan

Indonesia faced Japan in the opening Group A basketball match of the 2026 Asian Games at Aichi International Arena, Nagoya. (Red/Ist)

PEWARTA.CO.ID — Indonesia began its Asian Games 2026 basketball campaign with a 98-53 defeat to Japan in their Group A opener at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya on Thursday.

Japan controlled the game from the opening quarter and maintained a comfortable lead throughout the match, leaving Indonesia fourth in the provisional Group A standings behind Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

Kazuma Tsuya led Japan's scoring with 23 points, while Lester Prosper was Indonesia's top scorer with 13 points.

Japan takes control early

Japan quickly established its dominance in the first quarter, building a 21-8 advantage before extending the gap further.

The hosts finished the opening period with a 29-9 lead over Indonesia.

Indonesia briefly reduced the deficit early in the second quarter, cutting the margin to 11-29 after scoring first.

Japan responded immediately, extending its advantage to 38-16 before taking a 55-21 lead into halftime.

Indonesia unable to close the gap

Japan continued to control the third quarter and at one point led by 40 points at 70-30.

Indonesia continued to compete despite the widening deficit, but Japan remained in command and entered the final quarter with a 75-35 advantage.

With a substantial lead secured, Japan played more comfortably in the fourth quarter.

Both teams scored their first three points of the period, before Japan added 13 more points and Indonesia responded with 15.

The final score was 98-53 in favor of Japan, giving the hosts a strong start to their Group A campaign.

Indonesia faces South Korea next

The defeat leaves Indonesia fourth in the Group A standings after its opening game.

Indonesia will return to Aichi International Arena in Nagoya on Friday, September 11, for its second Group A match against South Korea.

The game is scheduled to tip off at 2 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB).