BENGALURU (FIBA U16 Women's Asia Championship 2017) - Australia, China, New Zealand and Japan all got big Quarter-Finals wins, moved on to the next round and clinched spots at the U17 World Championship.

Australia started the Quarter-Finals by totally outclassing Hong Kong, 123-29. The Aussies allowed Hong Kong to score just 3 points in the entire first period, underscoring the Sapphires' dominance. Shyla Heal was superb in this game, scoring 14 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and getting 4 steals. Georgia Amoore also impressed with 17 points, while nobody scored more than 5 points for hapless Hong Kong.

Meeting Australia in the Semi-Finals will be China, who staved off Korea in their own Quarter-Final match, 72-57. The Chinese had a strong start here, leading 20-7 after one quarter and just keeping Korea at bay the rest of the way. To nobody's surprise, larger-than-life Liu Yutong was unstoppable. The 1.96m Chinese center registered 17 points, 2 steals and a jaw-dropping 21 rebounds for the defending champions. Heo YeeUn, meanwhile, was Korea's most productive player with 11 points and 7 boards.

The third Semi-Final saw New Zealand cruise past Thailand, 80-52. The Thais were able to stick with the U16 Tall Ferns for the entire firs period, but the latter turned up the jets in the second quarter to put more separation between the two sides and eventually prevail. It was Sharne Pupuke-Robati's turn to shine for New Zealand, dropping 16 points and collaring 15 rebounds. On the other end, Pitchayapa Phuekraksa led Thailand with 14 points.

Earning the right to face New Zealand in the next round are Japan, who didn't have any real trouble scuttling Chinese Taipei, 82-49. The Japanese built a 17-point lead at the end of the first quarter and then expanded that to 27 at the half to put the outcome beyond doubt early. Once again, Sakura Noguchi showed the way for the Akatsuki Five, putting up 18 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals. She was backstopped by Yuki Shuto, who tallied 11 points. As for the Chinese Taipei squad, Ting Chih-Jung and Lin Chia-Jung did well with a combined output of 25 points.

In the Semi-Finals, Australia face China and New Zealand battle Japan. Consequently, all four teams are now officially qualified to play at the FIBA U17 World Championship 2018.

RESULTS:
Australia beat Hong Kong, 123-29
China beat Korea, 72-57
New Zealand beat Thailand, 80-52
Japan beat Chinese Taipei, 82-49

FIBA