Heavyweight France had its hands full early before pulling away to an 88-70 win over Japan in a warm-up game Thursday ahead of the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert contributed 16 points and nine rebounds for world No. 5 France, while U.S.-based collegiate star Keisei Tominaga scored a game-high 20 for 36th-ranked Japan at Ariake Arena.
Featuring several current and former NBA players, Tokyo Olympic silver medalist France marked World Cup co-host Japan's toughest opponent in a succession of warm-up games culminating against Slovenia on Saturday.
Playing without Phoenix Suns swingman Yuta Watanabe, who hurt his ankle in Tuesday's win over Angola, Akatsuki Japan once again looked to sharp-shooting Nebraska Cornhuskers livewire Tominaga to provide an offensive spark.
The 22-year-old guard delivered, putting Japan on the board at 7-3 with a three-pointer and continuing to ignite the crowd of 13,009 with multiple makes from far beyond the arc.
Japan fought its way into the contest on the back of its three-point shooting, twice taking the lead before finishing the first quarter trailing 23-20.
Tom Hovasse's team continued trading baskets with its more fancied opponent and went into the main break down 45-40.
France extended its lead to 53-44 early in the third quarter, but Japan continued to make big shots to stay within touching distance.
With Gobert, New York Knick Evan Fournier and former San Antonio Spur Nando de Colo keeping the scoreboard ticking, France eventually outscored Japan 25-17 in the third to take control of the game.
Japan tips off its World Cup campaign against Germany at Okinawa Arena on Aug. 25.
