GAME TWO | 23 JUNE

Game Two of the Nippon Life Cup 2024 of Australia vs Japan had an equally intense finish as the opener.

Alex Toohey (22 PTS, 4 STL) was instrumental in Australia gaining a buffer on the home stretch, but Japan wouldn’t stay down – hitting a series of shots to tie the scores at 95 - 95. 

A wild sequence of events occurred in the final moments.

It started with an in and out shot from the Aussies to go ahead – the returning drive from Japan ended with a clutch steal from guard Mitch McCarron - and in the dying seconds, Australia worked the ball to Sam Froling at the rim and the big man was fouled with 0.4 to play.

Froling had two opportunities from the line – and agonisingly, both rolled in and out leaving the game at a tie under exhibition rules.

Despite the result, the Australia Select team looked more in their comfort zone throughout Game Two.

Sydney Kings youngster Alex Toohey is star in the making and proved it on the international stage (22 PTS, 4 REB, 4 STL)

Alex Condon made the most of his start (13 PTS, 3 REB), Elijah Pepper continued his bright start in green and gold with 14 points, five rebounds and seven assists.

Veteran Mitch Norton (10 PTS, 3 REB) didn’t hit the highs of Game One but added a cool and calm demeanour alongside Mitch McCarron (4 PTS, 5 AST).  

Nippon Life Cup 2024 - Game Two 

* Game tied - no OT due to exhibition game rules

* Starters