BENGALURU (FIBA U18 Women's Asian Championship 2018) – China and Japan have met in the previous six finals of the FIBA U18 Women's Asian Championship, with China winning the last four times. 

Overall the two teams have met eight times in the finals, with China winning seven of these contests.

Can Japan finally turn it around this year?

 Going by current form, it would certainly seem so. Japan has already beaten China 94-79 in the Group Phase. The side followed that up with an even more impressive semifinals victory over title favorites Australia.

Japan's overall speed, execution and efficiency is by far the best among all Division A teams. Only Korea has shown itself to come close in these departments. But Japan also has the added advantage of of deep roster, which allows the team to play at an incredibly high pace through four straight quarters.

Meanwhile, China, the 15 time champions is the most balanced team in the competition, with a mix of quick guards who can hold their own, and an imposing front court that is on par with Australia.

Unlike Australia which was facing teams like Korea and Japan for the first time in the U18 Asian Women's Championship, China has the big advantage of familiarity.

As China's confident semifinals win over Korea today showed, while the side prefers a slower half court offense, it still has the capability to not get thrown off its game by rival teams employing the full court press defense. 

Can Japan get its hands on what will be only its second FIBA U18 Women's Asian Championship medal, or will China continue its dominance and secure its 11th title in 12 editions?

We'll know either way by tomorrow night. 

 FIBA