FIBA Women’s Asia Cup: Japan complete fourth quarter fightback to down China
- Japan defend their title against China in Jordan
- Saori Miyazaki top scores with 26 points in the final
China led a tense FIBA Asia Cup final against Japan for three quarters in Jordan on Sunday, only to let the trophy slip from their grasp on the home straight.
Japan’s Saori Miyazaki was the difference in the end, top-scoring for the defending champions with 26 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists in a 78-73 win against the tournament favourites China.
The Tokyo Olympics silver medallists, Japan secured a fifth straight Asia Cup triumph, their second in two outings against China in the final.
China, who had embarked on a fine run to the final, brushing aside the likes of Philippines, Taiwan and Australia, narrowly led a close encounter after each of the first three quarters, but were outplayed in the fourth 26-16
After China moved seven clear 30 seconds after the start of the final quarter, Pan Zhenqi was hit with a personal foul and Japan’s Stephanie Mawuli sank all three attempts from the free throw line to launch Japan’s fightback.
Japan grabbed 12 points in a row with China only able to reply with a single lay-up. China would never lead again.
Huang Sijing top-scored for China with 18 points.
Earlier in Amman, Australia secured the bronze medal after a dominant 88-58 win against Korea.
