It was an all-NBL starting five for the Australian Select Team on Saturday, with Sam Froling, Alex Toohey, Ben Henshall, Mitch McCarron and Kyle Bowen leading the way against Japan.

Trailing for much of the game, and by as much as 12 at the end of the first period, the Australians rallied in the final quarter to win by a solitary point. 

Illawarra’s Sam Froling was the star of the show, with 26 points and 10 rebounds, as he puts his hand up for future opportunities with the national team.

Perth Wildcats signing Elijah Pepper was a standout in the second half, finishing with 12 points to highlight the impact he can have in NBL25.

Fellow Wildcat Henshall went close to a double-double with nine points and eight rebounds, while Next Star, Sydney’s Alex Toohey scored seven, alongside five boards.

Australia’s 12-man lineup featured 10 NBL-rostered players, with Brisbane’s Mitch Norton (eight points, four assists) and Rocco Zikarsky (five points, two rebounds, two assists) and Kings young guns Tyler Robertson and Keli Leaupepe all seeing valuable court-time.

Game Two of the series tips off on Sunday in Sapporo, Japan at 4pm AEST.

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Australia Select 90
Japan 89

The Australia Select bench.

Ben Henshall.

Keli Leaupepe.

Rocco Zikarsky.

Celebrations after a Mitch Norton clutch bucket.

Coach Dean Vickerman.

Tip-off in Japan.