Samurai Surge Past Surfers 111-101 Behind Caldwell's Clutch Shooting
Caldwell Goes Off as Tokyo Samurai Extend Win Streak
By Amelia Hayes
TOKYO – The Tokyo Samurai delivered a dominant offensive performance on their home court, overcoming the Sydney Surfers 111-101 in a crucial Pro League matchup. A blistering third-quarter run, ignited by stellar shooting from Rhys Caldwell, proved to be the decisive factor as the Samurai solidify their position in the standings.
The game began as a tight affair, with both teams trading blows early. The Surfers, despite a commendable 28 assists and a low 6 turnovers, found themselves struggling to contain the Samurai’s potent attack in the second half. Tokyo’s ability to knock down crucial shots, particularly from beyond the arc, separated them as the game wore on.
Rhys Caldwell was the undeniable catalyst for the Samurai, pouring in a game-high 19 points and dishing out 6 assists. His ability to find the bottom of the net, including three key three-pointers, demoralized the Surfers. Cassian Patel provided strong support with 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Ren Yoshida also chipped in with 13 points and 6 assists, showcasing the Samurai’s balanced offensive attack.
“We knew this was a big game,” said Caldwell post-game. “We focused on executing our game plan and trusting each other. It felt good to see my shots fall when we needed them most.”
For Sydney, Kwame Mensah and Omar Al-Hassan led the charge with 18 points apiece, but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome Tokyo’s offensive firepower. The Surfers’ 60% free-throw shooting proved to be a significant hindrance.
“Credit to Tokyo, they played a great game, especially offensively,” commented Samurai Head Coach Kenji Tanaka. “We had a few lapses, but the resilience and the big shots from Rhys and others were critical to securing this win.”
Key Notes:
- Tokyo Samurai shot an efficient 40.5% from three-point range (15/37).
- Rhys Caldwell recorded 19 points and 6 assists for the Samurai.
- Sydney Surfers struggled at the free-throw line, converting only 60% of their attempts.
- The Samurai dominated the glass, outrebounding the Surfers 54-42.
- Ren Yoshida added 13 points and 6 assists for Tokyo.