Japan down China 74-71

The semifinals of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017 were played today, with the two Division A semifinals and one Division B semifinal at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru, and the other Division B semifinal at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium.

Division A

Japan bt China 74-71

Japan and China squared off in the second semi-final to decide who would face Australia in the gold medal game. China entered the game undefeated, trouncing most of their opponents on the way to the final four. Japan, on the other hand, dropped a game against Australia in the league stages, in an otherwise trouble-free run to the semi-finals.

The defending champions are known for their speed, rather than size. That is exactly what they showed the crowd today. Japan looked to push the tempo, right from the start, and play a fast paced game. Despite China fielding a bigger lineup, Japan stuck to their small ball strategy, led by dynamic point guard Manami Fujioka. Japan looked to put up their shots before China got their defense in place and the strategy paid off.

With Japan leading 18-15 to begin the second quarter, China went on a 6-0 run, taking the lead. Shao Ting carried the offensive load for China, connecting on all 3 of her 2-point attempts in the first half. Both teams exchanged buckets and ended the first half tied up at 32.

In the second half, China brought back their 6-foot-7-inch centre Yueru Li and she had an immediate impact on the game. There was no Japan defender who could contain her when she got deep post position and this worked to China's advantage. While Japan continued to work through their backcourt of Fujioka and Rui Machida, China relied on the shooting of Shao Ting and post play of Li. The third quarter ended with China up 55-54.

In the fourth, China began to pull away building a slim lead. This is when Japan went on a blistering run led by their fiery point guard Fujioka. She penetrated the China defense with ease and created multiple opportunities for her teammates. Japan went on an 11-0 run to take a 2-point lead (71-69) in the final minutes. But China managed to tie things up with 2 minutes to go. However, a clutch triple by Japan's Yuki Miyazawa in the penultimate minute game Japan a crucial 3-point lead. China hurried their opportunity to tie the game, which gave Japan possession in the final minute. Two offensive rebounds by Japan down the clock, forcing China to foul Fujioka. She had the opportunity to seal the game, but missed both freethrows, giving China life. China had a good look at a game-tying triple but Xiufeng Shi was unable to convert. Japan held on to clinch a thrilling victory.

'We just looked to get out and run. Forty minutes of pace!' said Japan coach Hovasse after the game. Japan will face Australia in the final, and will look to make amends this time around after losing to them in the league stages.

Japan (Manami Fujioka 19 pts 14 asts 8 rbs, Yuki Miyazawa 16 pts, Maki Takada 13 pts) bt China (Shao Ting 16 pts, Song Gao 13 pts, Yueru Li 13 pts)74-71 [18-15, 14-17, 22-23, 20-16]
Australia bt Korea 81-64

As the fourth ranked team in the world, Australia are favourites to go all the way and deny Japan their shot at the three-peat. They reached the semi-finals with ease, winning all their games in the group stages and brushing DPR of Korea aside in the quarterfinals. But Korea began today's game with a desire to upset the Australian canter, and by the end of the first quarter they were within range at 17 - 22.

As the game wore on, Korea continued to shoot the ball well. Their three point shooting (36%) kept them in the game early on, but the Australian offensive juggernaut proved impossible to stop. The Australian women shot the ball at a respectable 45% from the field, but were superior in passing the ball around to find the driving lane. They racked up 42 points in the paint, compared to only 14 points for Korea.

Australian bigs Sara Blicavs and Marianna Tolo dominated the backcourt, and did not allow Jisu Park the room to repeat her performance against New Zealand. She was limited to shooting one of eight from the field, and grabbed only 5 rebounds. At the other end of the floor, Blicavs and Tolo combined for 25 points.

Korea were further disadvantaged by the fact that Kim Danbi played no part in the first half, and was struggling at the start of the second before checking out within 2 minutes.

For Australia, Kelsey Griffin top scored with 21 points, shooting the ball at an impressive 64% from the field.

Australia (Kelsey Griffin 16 pts; Alanna Smith 12 pts; Sara Blicavs 10 pts) bt Korea (Leeseul Kang 14 pts; Sungyoung Sim 14 pts; Yung Hui Lim 12 pts) 81 - 64 [22 - 17, 23 - 13, 16 - 11, 20 - 23]


New Zealand defeat DPR of Korea 82-61

New Zealand beat DPR of Korea by a comfortable margin (82 - 61), securing their status in Division A. In the first quarter, the Tall Ferns shot the ball well, building up an early 23 point lead. DPR of Korea could not find their way back from there. New Zealand's women dominated in the middle, outrebounding Korea 53 - 27 and scoring 48 points in the paint. Kalani Purcell led the effort with a double-double (13 points and 14 rebounds), and Jillian Harmon chipped in with 15 points. DPR of Korea must now play Philippines tomorrow in a battle against relegation to Division B.

New Zealand (Jillian Harmon 15 pts, 9 rebs; Kalani Purcell 13 pts, 14 rebs; Georgina Agnew 10 pts) bt DPR of Korea (Jong Ok Ri 19 pts; Hyang Ok Kim 17 pts; Suk Yong Ro 11 pts) 82 - 61 [31 - 8, 18 - 17, 22 - 16, 11 - 20]
Philippines lose to Chinese Taipei 53-87

Philippines lost to Chinese Taipei in a one sided game that saw them go behind in the first quarter and trail throughout the game. Centre Hsi-Le Bao led her team with a double-double (16 points and 11 rebounds), as her team shot a healthy 44.3% from the field. For Philippines, France Mae Cabinbin led the scoring with 14 points, but did not find much offensive support from any of her teammates. Philippines must now battle DPR of Korea to avoid being relegated back to Division B.

Chinese Taipei (Hsi-Le Bao 16 pts, 11 rebs; Yu-Ting Lin 14 pts; Ying-Chieh Wu 14 pts) bt Philippines (France Mae Cabinbin 14 pts) 87 - 53 [25 - 17, 13 - 8, 21 - 17, 28 - 11]