INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Japan beat defending champions and tournament hosts China 90-81 in the semifinals of the FIBA Womens Asia Cup in Shenzhen, south Chinas
Guangdong Province, on Saturday, advancing to the title video game versus Australia.The Japanese side, who made 16 three-pointers in the
game, were led by 19-year-old Kokoro Tanaka after she scored a game-high 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field
Veteran Yuki Miyazawa included 18 points, while Norika Konno contributed 14
Yang Shuyu paced China with 19 points, while Han Xu tallied 18, and Zhang Ziyu cracked in with 17
China got off to a slow start, dedicating five turnovers in the first quarter, including 4 in the opening 3 minutes
Japan capitalized behind Tanakas fast-paced offense, as she scored the teams very first 8 points and racked up 21 in the opening period.The
home side recovered in the 2nd quarter, limiting Tanakas effect
Zhang began asserting herself in the paint, scoring eight straight points late in the quarter to help China take a 51-49 lead into
halftime.Chinas offense then stalled while Japan rose in front after the break, developing a nine-point lead
Coach Gong Luming turned frequently between Han and Zhang searching for a stimulate, but the team struggled to discover a rhythm
Yangs left-handed layup provided a quick lift, however Japan reacted with five three-pointers in the third quarter, reclaiming an
eight-point cushion entering into the final 10 minutes.In the 4th quarter, China closed the space to three at 73-70, following Yangs
fastbreak layup off a Japanese turnover
But Tanaka struck once again with two transition layups that pressed Japans lead back into double digits at 88-78
Although Han struck a crucial three-pointer and China required a turnover on the standard, a missed out on post-up effort by Zhang Ru ended
their hopes of a comeback.Japan held company to seal the 90-81 win, ending Chinas title defense and advancing to Sundays final.At the
post-game interview, Japan coach Corey Gaines applauded his teams execution and emphasized the importance of pre-tournament warmups,
especially in establishing young players like Tanaka
Well gain from this loss, stated Gong
But our preparation for the 2028 Olympics wont change due to the fact that of one game
This group currently consists of a mix of veterans, mid-career players and young gamers, and it is expected to progress in the coming years
Not many of todays players are ensured to be effect factors in 2028, so I wish to see more skilled Chinese gamers emerge
When asked whether she prepares to complete overseas again on the club level, Han, a former New York Liberty player, said she remained in
China to get ready for in 2015s Paris Summer Olympics, in order to develop better chemistry with her teammates
Even though we lost tonight, this group has fantastic prospective for the future
And if I have the opportunity, I still hope to play in overseas leagues, Han said.The national championship and third-place contest will
both take place on Sunday
Japan will deal with Australia for the title, while China meet South Korea in the consolation clash.
