Japan keep mastery of China to salvage bronze

Japan made sure not to go home empty-handed as they copped the bronze medal by repeating against China, 71-58, in the Third-Place Game of the FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup 2025 Sunday. While they would've preferred to be fighting for the crown, the seven-time finalists simply turned all their effort on the task at hand and got rewarded so sweetly, as the program kept its streak of medal finishes alive. "It was such a disappointing loss yesterday," reflected head coach Yoshikazu Suzuki, referring to their Semi-Finals loss to New Zealand. "But I am glad, and the coaching staff is glad, to see our team come back." "And also, seeing them grow up and get better," the seasoned mentor added. Miya Takeuchi (161-G-2009) was front and center yet again as she starred with 25 points alongside 7 rebounds and 4 assists, anchoring her side's strong fourth-quarter surge to leave their East Asian rivals biting the dust anew. The crafty playmaker scored the last six of an 11-0 run early in the said chapter toward a 58-48 lead with 5:48 remaining, completely changing the game's complexion in their favor to eventually secure a podium finish. Momoka Kaji (170-G-2009), who also contributed in the aforementioned rally with a corner three-pointer, came through with 15 points, spiked by a trio of triples. Honoka Yasui (168-G-2010) chipped in 12 points plus 4 of the team's 12 steals. "Compared to yesterday's game, I think we refocused on defense today, which was key," offered Takeuchi. "Also, we were really energized by Malaysian fans - not just today, but throughout the tournament."
Leading Team Dragon, on the other hand, was Yuanshan Li (178-F-2009) with 16 points. Sun Hanyun was her lone backup with 13 points in the defeat that once again foiled the former three-time champs' bid of ending a medal drought. China last stood at the podium when they won the bronze in 2017. Sun was actually responsible in giving her side the lead to open the final period following a conversion from close range, 48-47, but Saya Kinoshita quickly erased as much with her own bucket from underneath. And that go-ahead stab sparked the run that decided the match.
Courtesy of: fiba.basketball