Team Japan captured third place and the bronze medal in beating China 72-0 at the World University Championship of American Football in Monterrey, Mexico Friday night.
The Japanese team had had suffered two straight defeats at the hands of the USA and Mexico after beating Guatemala in the opening game of the tournament.
Running back Maoki Furukawa led Team Japan rushing seven times for 106 yards and two touchdowns while Seiya Inokuma and Aruta Nishimura also added two touchdowns in routing China. Four players had one touchdown apiece and kicker Kenichi Otsuka contributed 10 PATs as Japan matched its own record of 72 points in the first game.
Quarterback Yuto Nishiyama completed five of six passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns as Japan rolled to a 51-0 halftime lead.
The game MVP for Japan was Kenichi Otsuka while Team China’s MVP was Zhang Huachen.
This was the final game for both teams who conclude their participation in the World International Championship of American Football, Monterrey 2016.
The game for first place and the gold medal between the USA and defending champions Team Mexico takes place Saturday, June 11.