BENGALURU (FIBA U16 Women's Asia Championship 2017) - Australia and Japan each swept their respective groups entering the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA U16 Women's Asia Championship 2017.

Australia tipped things off in Day 3 with a resounding 83-50 win over Korea. The Sapphires outplayed Korea, 20-9, in the first period and never looked back, leaning on the 13 points of Isabel Palmer. Nnenna Emma-Nnopu also continued to impress, scoring 8 points and grabbing 12 rebounds for the victors. On the other end, Korea were led by 23 points from Na GeumBi.

The day's second game was also its most exciting. New Zealand and Chinese Taipei battled in a see-saw affair, but it was the U16 Tall Ferns who came out on top, 71-66. Once again, Charlisse Leger-Walker was quite impressive for New Zealand, unloading an eye-popping 30 points on top of 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Sharne Pupuke-Robati also registered a great stat-line with 17 points and 20 boards for the winners, who finished second in Group A. Tseng Hsuan-Yi paced Chinese Taipei with 15 points.

In the third match, Japan trailed at the half against a much China, but they turned the tables in the second half en route to a convincing 70-53 triumph and the top spot in Group B. The Japanese outscored their foes, 40-19, in the final two quarters to turn a 4-point halftime deficit into the huge 17-point win. Misa Hayashi, Sakura Noguchi and Aika Hirashita each scored at least 10 points to lead Japan's balanced attack. Maya McArthur was also solid with 6 points, 10 rebounds and 2 steals for the Akatsuki Five. As for the Chinese, imposing center Liu Yutong was the lone bright spot with an amazing 20-points, 19-rebound performance, but it was not enough to get the W.

Closing group play in Division A were Thailand and Hong Kong, with the former notching their first win, 93-64. The Hong Kongers started the game strong with a 6-point lead at the end of the first period before the Thais outscored them the rest of the way, 75-40. Hong Kong had no answer for Yada Sriharaksa, who tallied 17 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks for Thailand. Nantanach Chumjinda also impressed for the winners with 24 points, while Law Nga Wing top-scored for Hong Kong with 18 points.

In the Quarter-Finals, Australia face Hong Kong, China take on Korea, New Zealand battle Thailand and the Japanese play Chinese Taipei.

RESULTS:

Australia beat Korea, 83-50

New Zealand beat Chinese Taipei, 71-66

Japan beat China, 70-53

Thailand beat Hong Kong, 93-64

FIBA