SEREMBAN (Malaysia) - Australia and Korea remained unbeaten ahead of their rematch in the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup 2026-Division A after dispatching their respective foes on Monday at the Karisma Arena.
The reigning 2-time champions beat New Zealand once again by way of a 99-34 waylaying before the 7-time titlists broke away early to eventually keep the Philippines in search of a breakthrough, 86-70.
Both teams are now carrying identical 2-0 records, making their meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, October 6, a crucial bout as the winner will clinch the no. 1 seed in Group A - and directly advance to the Semi-Finals.
Lim Yeonseo starred once more by firing 30 points to lead the Koreans past Gilas Youth, marking the second straight game that she dropped a 30-piece after tallying 31 versus the Junior Tall Ferns yesterday.
The 1.70 M (5'6") guard scored 11 in the second chapter alone, nearly matching their foes' output by her lonesome as she led their 30-15 surge to turn a one-point lead to a 38-42 advantage at the half to start the rout.
Lee Sohee was also instrumental in the win with 25 points and 7 rebounds. Cho Heewon chipped in 13 points for Team Korea, who still won despite being dominated on the boards by the Philippines, 58-33.
Rhiane Perez led Gilas Youth with 21 points in the loss, which dropped their card to 0-2. Ruiza Olmos had 15 points and 12 rebounds, Tiffany Reyes made 11, while Grace Curley added 10 on top of 11 rebounds.
The Gems leaned on another balanced attack to wallop New Zealand, with Madison Ryan leading the pack with 18 points. Eliza Shanahan had 15 while Isabel Smith, Jemyma Manyok, and Matilda Trout added at least 10 each.
None were able to hit double figures for the Junior Tall Ferns, who will next face the Philippines tomorrow as well in a battle between teams hoping to barge into the win column as both sides are currently 0-2.
FIBA