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Australia won their first FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, defeating Japan 88-79. Alexandra Fowler led with 15 points. Japan’s Kokoro Tanaka scored 21.
Australia Women’s Basketball Team (X)
Australia held off a fierce late rally from Japan to win their maiden FIBA Women’s Asia Cup title on Sunday, securing an 88–79 victory at the Shenzhen Sports Centre in southern China.
The Opals, who were runners-up to Japan in the 2017 final, controlled much of the contest, leading from the outset and building an 11-point advantage by halftime. It marked their second win over Japan in the tournament, having previously beaten them 79–67 during the group stage.
Japan, six-time champions of the continental tournament, mounted a determined comeback in the fourth quarter. Power forward Yuki Miyazawa spearheaded the rally, knocking down three consecutive three-pointers to tie the game with seven minutes remaining.
However, missed opportunities—including two missed free throws—proved costly for Japan. Clutch baskets from Australia’s Alexandra Fowler and Alex Brooke Wilson helped the Opals regain control as time slipped away for their opponents.
Historic Triumph for the Opals
Ranked second in the world by FIBA, Australia erupted in celebration at the final buzzer, finally putting an end to their Asia Cup title drought.
Fowler, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, led her team with 15 points. Wilson added 14 points, while point guard Stephanie Reid contributed 13 in the championship win.
Despite the loss, Japan’s teenage phenom Kokoro Tanaka impressed once again. The 19-year-old, who scored 27 points in Japan’s semi-final win over host nation China, finished the final with 21 points and nine assists, capping a breakout tournament.
China Secures Bronze with Zhang’s Dominance
Earlier in the day, China cruised to a dominant 101–66 victory over South Korea in the third-place playoff. Towering 2.26m (7ft 5in) center Zhang Ziyu powered the hosts with 18 points and 7 rebounds, ensuring China’s remarkable streak of podium finishes at the Asia Cup remained intact—a run that dates back to 1976.
(with AFP inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
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