Australia claim the FIBA U16 Asian Championship

FOSHAN (FIBA U16 Asian Championship) - Australia routed China, 91-67, in the Final to claim the FIBA U16 Asian Championship title, while New Zealand trounced Philippines in the battle for third place.

China led early in the Final, but the Australians' length, versatility and energy proved to be too much to handle for the hosts. Australia outscored China, 74-44, from the second quarter onwards to lift their first every U16 Asian Championship crown. Luke Travers led the way for Australia with 22 points, while Wani Swaka Lo Buluk and Tamuri Wigness added 21 and 20 points respectively in the win.

Fellow first-timers New Zealand also ended their campaign on a bright note after blowing out fancied Philippines, 76-60, to finish third place overall. Marvin Williams-Dunn stepped up for the Junior Tall Blacks with 17 points, while Mitchell Dance added 16 points and 7 rebounds of his own.

In the classification games, Korea exacted revenge on Japan to finish fifth overall,75-63, while Iran were too good for Lebanon, 95-82, and finished seventh.

The final standing of the FIBA U16 Asian Championship:

1. Australia
2. China
3. New Zealand
4. Philippines
5. Korea
6. Japan
7. Iran
8. Lebanon

FIBA