BENGALURU (India) - China claimed a dramatic and important win over Australia to join Japan in collecting a direct spot to the Semi-finals in the last day of the Group Phase at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. Chinese-Taipei and New Zealand also go important victories not only to stay in contention but to avoid potential relegation to Division B.

It was an ending worth all of the hype heading into the marquee matchup between China and Australia. The two teams traded leads in the final seconds of the game, though it was Shao Ting who delivered the last shot set up by her patented spin-move. China held on for another defensive possession to win 70-69.

Shao made the big shot, but it was Wang Siyu who racked up the points early on with an unexpected game-high 18 points.

(Wang Siyu)

Australia claimed their only lead of the second half briefly on a smooth move to the basket by Leilani Mitchell with less than 30 seconds left to set the stage for Shao’s clutch dagger.

The win secured China an immediate spot in the Semi-finals, joined by Japan who took care of business in a crushing 102-61 win over Korea. Today was Nako Motohashi’s turn to lead Japan in scoring, putting up 21 points in 6 three-pointers in the big win. Ramu Tokashiki continues to be solid with 14 points and 7 boards in 22 minutes.

New Zealand got off to a slow start against the Philippines, trailing in the first quarter 15-14. They were able to settle down and get the job done in the final three quarters to finish with a 75-57 victory. It was an important victory for the Tall Ferns who avoided relegation completely by advancing to the Qualifier to Semi-finals round.

New Zealand’s Tessa Boagni top scored in this game with 16 points, her highest total so far.

(Tessa Boagni)

The Philippines had a good start, especially Janine Pontejos. The 26-year-old cooled down later in the game but finished with 15 points on 6-11 shooting and 7 rebounds.

Chinese Taipei also avoid relegation by taking down host nation India, leading from start to finish, 87-58. They blasted out from the beginning with a 28-10 first quarter and cruised along the rest of the way. Coach Albert Wagner got every one of his players into action and 4 players made it to double-digit scoring, led by Lin Yu-Ting’s 15 points.

(Lin Yu-Ting)

India will play against the Philippine at 15:30 (GMT +5.5) tomorrow where the winner will avoid being demoted to Division B and avoid missing out on playing in the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifiers.

Korea will face New Zealand at 17:45 (GMT +5.5) to decide the winner that will face China in the Semi-finals.

Defending champions Japan will be waiting for their Semi-finals matchup, which will be coming from the winner of the game between Australia and Chinese Taipei to be played at 20:00 (GMT +5.5).

Scores

New Zealand 75-57 Philippines
Australia 69-70 China
Japan 102-61 Korea
Chinese Taipei 87-58 India

Daily Leaders

Points: 21, Nako Motohashi (JPN)
Rebounds: 13, Kalani Purcell (NZL)
Assists: 7, Rui Machida (JPN)

FIBA