BENGALURU (FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017) - When the going got tough, it was Manami Fujioka who shone for Japan and steered them past China and into the Women's Asia Cup Final.

With star guard Asami Yoshida not playing and China shooting the lights out, Japan needed a savior to salvage their hopes of defending their crown, and it was Fujioka who rose to the occasion. The 1.70m point guard put on a dazzling show, scoring 19 points, grabbing 8 rebounds and handing out 8 assists as Japan came from behind to beat China, 74-71.

It was a nip-and-tuck affair all throughout, but the Chinese actually had the upper-hand and seemed fully in control midway through the fourth quarter after Li Yueru gave them a 69-60 lead with 5:44 left. Japan, however, still had some magic left, uncorking a 14-2 run to end the game and finish off their East Asia rivals in style.

Moeko Nagaoka, Maki Takada and Yuki Miyazawa also stepped up for Japan, each scoring 14 points or more, while Shao Ting paced the erstwhile undefeated Chinese with 16 points.

Japan have one final hurdle to conquer, Australia, before they successfully defend their title and register a rare three-peat. China. for their part, shall dispute third place against Korea.

FIBA