SYDNEY, June 28 (Xinhua) — China and Japan recorded victories in contrasting kinds on Wednesday to guide semifinal spots on the FIBA Women’s Basketball Asia Cup.
China, world No. 2, had been pushed to the restrict by an lively South Korea earlier than prevailing 87-81 in time beyond regulation. Star heart Han Xu contributed 33 factors and 11 rebounds, and Li Meng had 26 factors, 8 rebounds and seven assists.
“At the start of the game, we weren’t aggressive enough, but as the game progressed, we increased the intensity of our defence and our offence had better chemistry,” Han advised the post-game press convention.
China’s third straight victory ensured they may now relaxation till Saturday’s semifinal, whereas third-placed South Korea will face Australia in a knockout sport on Friday.
China trailed by 11 factors in a sluggish first quarter earlier than finally overcoming South Korea, who’ve gained a document 12 titles, in a nerve-jangling contest.
Five-time champions Japan silenced the house crowds with a 91-66 victory over Australia to assert high spot in Group B.
Australia made a press release early with the primary eight factors, however Japan took the higher hand with blistering three-point capturing within the second quarter to guide 44-32 at half-time.
Japan’s momentum continued within the second half with Monica Okoye (20 factors) and Mai Yamamoto (19 factors) combining for 9 three-pointers.
China and Japan additionally gained berths to the 2024 Paris Olympic Qualifying match, as the highest 4 ranked groups within the Asia Cup will earn qualification.
New Zealand secured second spot in Group A after thrashing Lebanon 76-45 on Day 3.
After a giant loss to China on Tuesday, New Zealand had been boosted by the return of stars Tahlia Tupaea and Penina Davidson who mixed for 33 factors.
New Zealand had been aggressive on defence early and restricted Lebanon to only six factors within the first-quarter en path to a cushty victory.
“I like how the girls have come together. I like how they are playing as a team and the chemistry feels great,” New Zealand coach Guy Molloy stated.
Lebanon will look to keep away from being relegated again to Division B after they face Chinese Taipei on Friday.
Chinese Taipei slumped to a 92-81 loss to the Philippines, who had beforehand been thrashed by Australia and Japan.
In the battle between the winless groups, Chinese Taipei entered as favourites however struggled towards an aggressive Philippines who stormed to a 13-point lead at half-time.
With their hopes of progressing additional on the road, Chinese Taipei lifted their depth within the third quarter and it paid off to scale back the margin all the way down to single figures.
But Philippines had all of the solutions with 21-year-old star Vanessa De Jesus hitting clutch photographs down the stretch to complete with a game-high 25 factors and maintain her nation’s hopes alive.
The Philippines will play New Zealand in a knockout sport on Friday with a semifinal spot at stake.