Japan Stuns Defending Champions China to Reach FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Final
In a thrilling semifinal matchup at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, Japan shocked defending champions China with a 90-81 victory on Saturday, earning a spot in the finals against Australia.
A Star Emerges: Kokoro Tanaka Leads the Charge
Japan’s 19-year-old sensation Kokoro Tanaka delivered a standout performance, scoring a game-high 27 points while shooting 10-of-16 from the field. Tanaka’s explosive offense set the tone early, as she opened the game with the team’s first eight points and amassed 21 points in the first quarter alone.
Veteran Yuki Miyazawa added 18 points, and Norika Konno contributed 14 points to bolster Japan’s offense. The Japanese team showcased their sharpshooting skills, sinking an impressive 16 three-pointers throughout the game.
China’s Valiant Effort Falls Short
The Chinese team, playing on home court, struggled with turnovers early on, committing five in the first quarter. Despite the slow start, China rallied in the second quarter, with Zhang Ziyu dominating the paint. Zhang scored eight consecutive points late in the quarter, helping China take a narrow 51-49 lead into halftime.
Yang Shuyu led China with 19 points, Han Xu added 18, and Zhang Ziyu chipped in 17. However, China’s offense stalled in the third quarter as Japan surged ahead, building a nine-point lead. Despite efforts to close the gap in the fourth quarter, including a fastbreak layup by Yang that trimmed the deficit to three points, China couldn’t regain the lead.
Japan Seals the Victory
Tanaka continued to shine in the final quarter, scoring key baskets that extended Japan’s lead. With two transition layups, she pushed the advantage back into double digits at 88-78. Although Han Xu hit a crucial three-pointer late in the game, Japan held firm to secure the 90-81 victory, ending China’s title defense.
Coaches Reflect on the Outcome
At the post-game press conference, Japan’s coach Corey Gaines praised his team’s execution and highlighted the importance of pre-tournament warmups in developing young talents like Tanaka. “Our preparation paid off, and the young players stepped up when it mattered most,” Gaines said.
China’s coach Gong Luming remained optimistic despite the loss. “We’ll learn from this defeat,” he stated. “Our preparation for the 2028 Olympics won’t change because of one game. This team is a mix of veterans and young players, and we expect to evolve in the coming years. I hope to see more talented Chinese players emerge.”
Looking Ahead
When asked about the possibility of playing overseas again, Han Xu, who previously played for the New York Liberty in the WNBA, expressed her aspirations. “Even though we lost tonight, this team has great potential for the future,” Han said. “If I have the opportunity, I still hope to play in overseas leagues.”
The championship game between Japan and Australia, along with the third-place match featuring China and South Korea, will both take place on Sunday.
