POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Yeonha Beon
China - Taiwan 84-58
China earned the spot in the Asian Games Final. They overcame Taiwan today to set up an exciting battle against South Korea for the tournaments Gold. Zhang Wei (184-G/F-86) fired 25 points to lead China to the semifinal victory. Taiwan and China stayed close throughout the opening frame. The lead changed for several times before China ensured a 16:14 advantage after ten minutes. The hosts tipped off the second frame on a 10:2 run to clear off. Taiwan finished the period with only 5 points as China grabbed a comfortable 38:19 advantage. The third term turned disastrous for Taiwan. China dominated all over the court boosting their lead to as many as 30 points at the final intermission. Taiwan never recovered from the blow and had to surrender at the end. Gao Song (190-F-92) and Chen Xiaoli (193-F-82) produced 15 points each for China. Bian Lan (185-F-86) added 10 points in the win. Peng Szu-chin (163-G-91) replied with 13 points for Taiwan. Wen Chi (170-G-84) notched 8 points in the loss.
Japan - South Korea 78-93
South Korea defeated Japan in a highly-anticipated semifinal battle at Asian Games. Beon Yeon-Ha (180-F-80) scored 24 points to lead the Korean side into the championship game. They will take on the winner of China vs. Taiwan clash. The teams stayed very close in the first 15 minutes of the encounter. South Korea led by just two points at the first break 24:22. They maintained a narrow lead midway through the second period. But then South Korea went on a 9:4 rally to secure a 41:34 halftime advantage. South Korea quickly stretched the gap to 10 points in the third frame. They were up by 10 points heading into the final period 71:61. Japan made a desperate attempt to erase the deficit. They narrowed the gap to 5 points but South Korea bounced back immediately. They capped the game on a 14:4 rally to seal the victory. Ha Eun-Joo (200-C-83) delivered 19 points and 6 boards for South Korea. Lee Kyung-Eun (176-G-87) finished with 13 points in the victory. Yuko Oga (170-G-82) answered with game-high 26 points for Japan. Yuka Mamiya (183-C/F-90) netted 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in defeat.
Place 5-6
Thailand - Maldives 93-47
Thailand finished their Asian Games campaign on a high note. They rolled past Maldives to occupy the fifth overall position. Maldives finished winless at the sixth spot. Juthamas Jantakan (174-G-85) paced Thailand with 20 points in this one. Thailand opened the game with 11:0 run to set the tone. Maldives however managed to unload 11 points in the first quarter to trail by 12 points. The Thai side cleared off in the second quarter. They fired 25 points and established a confident 48:23 halftime advantage. Thailand stayed in charge in the third frame. They arrived at the final pause up by 32 points 67:35. Xuanmin Zhao team tipped off the fourth frame on a 14:1 run and never looked back again. Naruemol Banmoo (185-C-87) accounted for 16 points and 9 rebounds for Thailand. Atchara Kaichaiyapoom (178-C-92) added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 7 steals in the win. Aminath Shiura (176-C-87) replied with 15 points and 6 boards for Maldives. Fadhuwa Zahir (161-F-86) had 12 points and 7 caroms in the loss.
Gilas Women overwhelm Hong Kong to go 2-0
