SEREMBAN (Malaysia) - New Zealand had to do it on both ends of the floor to escape Chinese Taipei, 74-70, and head into the FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup 2025 Semi-Finals, Friday evening at the Karisma Arena.
The crew lost a lead as big as 16 points when their East Asian counterparts tied things up at 70-all but poise proved to be the biggest difference as they collectively pulled out all the stops to avert disaster.
Charis Broughton nailed the marginal free throw with 19.6 seconds remaining, before Emilia Ainley came through on defense when she successfully contested Chang Yu-Tung's attempt for the go-ahead bucket.
A perfect trip to the foul line by Areta Kahura with 4.4 seconds to go gave them more breathing room at 73-70, but serving as practically the clincher was their effort on forcing a five-second inbound violation on their foes.
Shamar Broughton would go on to finish the game, making her first shot from the charity stripe before missing the second on purpose to completely close the door on the opposition and whatever hope they had.
With the narrow victory, the NZL Girls not only advanced to the final four but have also become the third team from this tilt to reach the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2027 after Australia and Japan.
But for now, Coach Liam Connelly and his charges will put all their focus on the Semi-Finals, where they will be taking on Japan in a rematch as the two met one another in the Group Phase just last Wednesday.
And they're coming in hungry for payback, for sure, after losing by way of a 76-72 decision.
Charis Broughton top-scored for New Zealand with 19 points, together with 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Ainley supplied 15 points and 9 rebounds, while Maniah Taefu provided 10 points and 8 rebounds.
This particular batch's win has also kept the program's mastery of sorts against Chinese Taipei as it beat the same team to take home its first-ever bronze medal during the 2023 competitions in Amman, Jordan.
Chang and Chang Hsun-Wen finished with 16 points each to lead Chinese Taipei.
Hsieh Ai-Tung had 12 points, including the basket from underneath that tied the game up with 37.5 seconds left, and 8 rebounds. Lin Nian-Zhen made 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists, with Chen Xin adding 10 as well.
Chinese Taipei will face the losing side between China and the Philippines in the Classification 5-6 on Saturday as well at 14:00 local time, to be played just before the Semi-Finals.
FIBA