POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Moritz Wagner
Germany – Japan 81-63
Germany notched an impressive victory in their inaugural match at the 2023 World Cup, showcasing their dominance against the host nation Japan in Okinawa today. The German squad’s performance was marked by standout plays as they clinched a decisive win on foreign soil. In a commanding display of talent, Moritz Wagner (211-F/C-1997, college: Michigan) rose to the occasion with a spectacular 25-point performance, coupled with 9 rebounds, solidifying his role as a pivotal force in Germany’s triumph. From the opening whistle, Germany left an indelible mark, establishing their presence with authority. Their dominance was evident from the get-go, overwhelming Japan in the first half and securing a substantial 23-11 lead after the opening ten minutes. Building upon their strong start, Germany showcased their scoring prowess in the second quarter, amassing an impressive 30 points to forge a commanding 53-31 halftime advantage. While Japan attempted to level the tempo in the second half, their opponents managed to stave off their advances. Germany’s defensive resilience limited Japan to a mere 28 points in the latter half, leaving the hosts unable to change the outcome. Dennis Schroeder (181-PG-1993) delivered a noteworthy 14 points, complemented by Daniel Theis (206-F/C-1992) who notched an impactful 13 points. Despite Japan’s spirited response, notably led by Yuta Watanabe (206-F-1994, college: GWU)’s 20 points and Yudai Baba (196-SF-1995)’s 15 points, Germany’s collective prowess and strategic execution proved insurmountable. This triumphant debut on the world stage cements Germany as a contender to watch, hinting at an exciting journey ahead in the World Cup arena.
Tags : MORITZ WAGNER, WORLD CUP BASKETBALL, GERMAN NATIONAL TEAM
