SHENZHEN (China) - Australia successfully broke through to bag their first ever FIBA Women’s Asia Cup title after disposing of Japan, 88-79, in a thrilling Final at the Shenzhen Sports Centre, Sunday night.
Australia, led by Alex Fowler and Zitina Aokuso, shone brightest at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 Final with a balanced team effort. Fowler and Aokuso controlled the paint as Australia defeated a determined Japanese team aiming to reclaim the gold after losing it in 2023. Fowler finished with 15 points on top of 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block. Aokuso had 11 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block. Japan were led by Kokoro Tanaka's 21 points.
The Opals’ blend of size, experience and skill powered them to a perfect 5-0 run in the tournament en route to securing the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup title.
Fowler was eventually named the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 Most Valuable Player, leading the tournament's All-Star Five that also consisted of Australia teammate Stephanie Reid, Korea's Park JiHyun, China's Han Xu and Japan's Tanaka.
In the battle for third place, China earned the bronze medal with a commanding 101-66 victory over Korea. Wang Siyu's 19 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists led the hosts’ determined performance, while 18-year-old phenom Zhang Ziyu added 18 points.
Australia, Japan, China, Korea, New Zealand and the Philippines have all qualified for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments. As the winners of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025, Australia will receive automatic qualification for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany.
Indonesia were relegated to Division B after finishing in eighth place, while Chinese Taipei earned promotion to Division A, returning to the top tier of Asian women’s basketball.
FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 final standings:
1. Australia 2. Japan 3. China 4. Korea 5. New Zealand 6. Philippines 7. Lebanon 8. Indonesia
FIBA