BENGALURU (FIBA U16 Women's Asia Championship 2017) - New Zealand impressed in a bounce back win over Korea, while powerhouses Australia, Japan and China remained unbeaten on Day 2.

New Zealand leaned on Charlisse Leger-Walker, all-around brilliance to break into the win column at Korea's expense, 74-44. Leger-Walker filled the stat-sheet with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocked shots, while forward Sharne Pupuke-Robati also did well, scoring 11 points and hauling down 10 boards. Lee DaYeon was the lone bright spot for Korea with 10 points.

For their part, Australia's Sapphires were dominant again as they overwhelmed Chinese Taipei, 88-60, behind the 11 points and 12 rebounds of Nnenna Agnes Emma-Nnopu. The 1.82m forward was among five Aussies in double-figures, with Georgia Amoore's 18 points leading the way. Chinese Taipei had trouble making buckets, shooting just 29.3% from the field. They were paced by the 19 points of team captain Lin Chia-Jung.

Following that game, Japan notched another win by crushing Hong Kong, 113-36. The Akatsuki Five led by 25 after one quarter and never looked back. Aika Hirashita starred for the Japanese with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists, while Maika Miura added 14 points on 6-of-11 field goal shooting. The Hong Kongers could not get much going in this matchup, and nobody was able to score in double-digits. Ho Pui Ying top-scored for them with 8 points.

At the close of the day's Division A games, defending champions China stamped their class anew, this time obliterating Thailand, 89-28. China never allowed the Thais to score more than 9 points in any quarter, underscoring their overwhelming advantages in size and depth. Versatile frontliner Wan Jiyuan came to the fore for the victors with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while frontcourt partner Liu Yutong put up 8 points and 10 boards. Yang Shuyu also did well off the bench with 11 points as China kept in-step with Group B rivals Japan, who also tote a 2-0 slate. Pitchayapa Phuekraksa had 6 points to lead the Thais' losing cause.

RESULTS:

New Zealand beat Korea, 74-44

Australia beat Chinese Taipei, 88-60

Japan beat Hong Kong, 113-36

China beat Thailand, 89-28

FIBA