SYDNEY, June 28 (Xinhua) — China overcame South Korea with a tense 87-81 extra time victory on Wednesday to guide a spot within the semifinals of the FIBA Women’s Basketball Asia Cup in Sydney.
China had been pushed to the restrict by an brisk South Korean group, who’ve claimed a document 12 titles, earlier than recording their third straight win to prime Group A.
The consequence additionally signifies that China have secured a berth to the 2024 Paris Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, as the highest 4 ranked groups within the Asia Cup advance.
South Korea completed third in Pool A and can meet both Australia or Japan within the knockout stage on Friday.
China had been fantastically led by stars Han Xu, who scored 33 factors and 11 rebounds, and Li Meng, with 26 factors, 8 rebounds and seven assists.
South Korea got here out of the blocks spectacularly with their fast-paced fashion rattling a cold-shooting China.
South Korea surged to an 11-point lead early earlier than China fought again to cut back the margin to 38-32 at halftime with Han Xu retaining them afloat with 15 factors and seven rebounds.
China rediscovered their rhythm after the lengthy break with a Han bucket on the rim giving them the lead halfway by way of the third quarter.
But South Korea responded with 10 straight factors to regain the initiative earlier than China once more hit again on this nerve-jangling contest.
China seemed to be overrunning their tiring opponents with a 12-4 run to begin the fourth quarter a lot to the delight of Chinese followers within the stands.
The South Korean gamers confirmed their tenacity with a bucket from Lee Kyung Eun sending the sport into extra time earlier than China lastly outlasted their gallant opponents.