China wins 74-60 over Australian Opals

Xu Han

Despite staging several gallant comebacks the Opals were outclassed by China 74-60 - missing out on a shot at the Asian Cup title and a chance for revenge against Japan. Twice the Opals made a comeback against China in their semi-final clash - even winning the second quarter, 21-17 - but it wasn't enough to keep the experienced Chinese side out of the Asian Cup final. The 60 points scored by Australia was their lowest total in the history of the Asian Cup - a credit to China's defense. It is the fourth straight time Japan and China have found themselves in the battle for the title of Asian champion. Opals will now face New Zealand in a battle for third place on Sunday - missing out on a chance to take on Japan for the gold medal, who beat them in their pool game 91-66. It was a physical and fast game but Opals just couldn't break China's control over the game. Nerves clearly affected both sides in the opening minutes with no action on the scoreboard during the first three minutes of the game. Australia struck first, netting several free throws, while China got off to a slow start failing to pick up any points from their first nine shots. Accuracy hurt the Opals early with several missed chances to take a strong lead. Once China settled they found a rhythm, fighting back from 5-0 down to go into the first break 18-11 up. The second quarter proved that Australia was willing to fight for their spot in the final, staging an impressive comeback in the dying minutes of the half. Alice Kunek (185-G/F-1991, agency: LBM Management)'s accuracy helped keep the Australians in touch, racking up 10 points in the second quarter, including two three-pointers. Opals were down 32-24 with three minutes to play but managed to level it off to 32-32 with 15 seconds left. China's Xu Han (206-C-1999), named player of the match, stayed cool under pressure to net a three-point shot on the buzzer putting her side ahead 35-32 at the halftime break - but Australia won the quarter 21-17. The third quarter was an arm wrestle with the Opals taking an early lead before China snuck back in. Kunek continued to shine for the Australian's with another six points in the third quarter. But everytime the Opals looked to close in on the world No.2 Han would just casually flick in a three-pointer. Lauren Scherf (196-C/F-1996) struggled to hit the mark netting just three of her 11 shots, by the end of the third quarter. Opals' Shyla Heal (167-PG-2001, agency: LBM Management) was valuable on the court with five field goals and three assists. China took the biggest lead of the game into the fourth quarter ahead 53-43. Australia started the final quarter well but China soon took control with the lead blowing out to 15 points as the clock wound down. Australia will play New Zealand at 12.30pm on Sunday.
Courtesy of: codesports.com.au


Tags : XU HAN, NEW YORK LIBERTY, USA BASKETBALL