China and Japan advance into title game

SEMIFINALS

China - Taiwan 64-35
China eased into the title game in Bangkok. They thumped Taiwan in the semifinal clash tonight. Li Yuan (170-PG-00) posted 20 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. China registered a 34:19 halftime lead. They followed with a 22:7 run in the third term to clear off for good. Wang Jiaqi (170-G-99) and Zhang Ru (179-F-99) had 10 points apiece for the winners. Chia-Hua We responded with 7 points for Taiwan.

South Korea - Japan 41-63
Japan advanced into the championship game. They avenged the preliminary round loss and beat South Korea for the spot in the Final. Stephanie Mawuli (181-C-98) recorded 14 points and 14 rebounds in the win. Japan secured a 31:24 halftime lead. Japan held their opponents to just 15 points in the second half and cruised to the victory. Yukino Awatsu (180-PF-98) delivered 11 points for the winners. Park Jisu (195-C-98) responded with 18 points and 14 rebounds for South Korea.

Promotion

Thailand - Malaysia 44-50
Malaysia will play at Level I next edition of the championship. They upset hosting Thailand in the promotion clash tonight. Pei Jie Tan (167-SG-98) scored 20 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in the victory. Thailand held to a narrow 26:25 halftime lead. The hosts boosted the gap at 7-point mark heading into the fourth quarter. But Malaysia used a 21:8 rally in the final stanza to snatch a key victory. Mun Yi Chia (170-F-98) produced 12 points and 9 caroms in the win. Kanokwan Prajuapsook (177-C-98) responded with 14 points and 15 boards for Thailand.

India - Indonesia 38-49
Indonesia rallied past India to get Level I promotion. Jovita Elizabeth (174-PF-98) led the winners to the crucial win with 15 points and 9 rebounds. India stayed ahead in the first half. They posted a 26:21 halftime lead. India extended the margin at 7-point mark at the final intermission. But Indonesia turned things around in the fourth stanza. They ignited a 21:3 run in the final quarter and raced to the win. Lea Wolobubo (178-C-99) produced 11 points and 10 boards in the victory. Bhandavya Hemmige (163-F-98) responded with 23 points for India.