BASKETBALL: Australia have survived their toughest clash against Japan in the three-game warm-up series, winning 84-73 after trailing by a point at half-time.

Once again playing with just ten on the roster, the Aussies exploded out of the gate with a 32-23 opening term but their offence dried up in the second period as Japan pulled themselves back into the contest.

The second half was an arm-wrestle before Australia's hot shooting carried them over the line as they hit 58% from within the arc compared to Japan's 46%.

"Tonight was a very high level game," said Australian coach Brendan Joyce.

"We expected them to be extremely physical after being 0-2 down and that is what we got.

"I thought our players did a great job playing through contact and finishing the game strong in the fourth quarter."

With 26 points, Liz Cambage again top-scored for the contest, shooting 10-14 from the field to go with seven rebounds, three steals and three blocks.

Leilani Mitchell starred in the back-court, hitting three three-pointers for 19 points, three rebounds and three assists while Suzy Batkovic also reached double-figures with 13 points and Steph Talbot tallied eight points and five assists.

Ahead of August, Joyce's side will now head to Europe for a two-week tour of warm-up games in late May-early June before returning home for two final camps in June and July.

Baskteball Australia