Day 3: Japan and China make Semi-Finals; Pilipinas seal Division A spot for 2025

SYDNEY (Australia) - Japan and China have moved safely into the last four FIBA Women's AsiaCup 2023, while Philippines got the win they wanted to keep their top flight status.

Both Japan and China will now rest until Saturday's Semi-Finals, with New Zealand, Korea, Australia and Philippines competing on Friday's Qualification For The Semi-Finals for the last two remaining tickets. Meanwhile Lebanon and Chinese Taipei will battle to avoid the drop to Division B with the 7-8 Classification Game on Friday.

Qualification for The Semi-Finals - Friday June 30
Australia vs Korea
New Zealand vs Philippines

Semi-Finals - Saturday July 1
China vs Australia or Korea
Japan vs New Zealand or Philippines

 

Japan turn up the heat to reach last four as the Opals melt

It was a superb display by Japan that took them into the Semi-Finals as the defending champions powered their way to a 91-66 victory against hosts Australia. The Opals had no answer to a blistering 29-11 second quarter as Japan took full control of the game.

Mai Yamamoto continued her excellent form with 19 points and 5 assists, while Monica Okoye found her shooting touch to drop 20 points, with Japan sinking a massive 17 three-point shots. 

China into last four after winning OT roller-coaster with Korea

It was an immense battle for China to take down Korea and become the first team to make this year's Semi-Finals, but they eventually got it done 87-81 after overtime - having trailed by as many as 11 points.

It was another exceptional show from Xu Han and perfect cameo from Meng Li that got it done as the former garnered an amazing 33 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks. Her teammate contributed 26 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists to wrap up first place in the Group. 

Korea were unfortunate to finish with a loss as they take third place and now look forward to the Qualification For The Semi-Finals. 

Pilipinas make Qualification For The Semi-Finals matchup; Chinese Taipei face fight

There were scenes of intense relief and celebration on the court as Philippines completed their first mission to stay in Division A as they eased out Chinese Taipei 92-81 in Group B.

Jack Animam produced on what was one of her best ever displays in a national team vest as she accumulated a breathtaking 16 points and 15 rebounds on a perfect shooting display. Afril Bernardino also came up huge with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Vanessa De Jesus showed her quality with a team-high 25 points.

The loss was tough on Chinese Taipei star Yu-Ting Lin who showed out with an individual display of 21 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists but it wasn't to be.

Tall Ferns secure Qualification For The Semi-Finals as Lebanon fight to survive

New Zealand bounced back from their Day 2 mauling by China to complete a 76-45 Group A win against Lebanon which at the very least puts them into Friday's Qualification For The Semi-Finals.

Tahlia Tupea who once stepped out for Australia at the FIBA youth World Cups, came alive for the Tall Ferns with an excellent 20 points. Penina Davidson did the business in the paint with 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Charlisse Leger-Walker had her best game of the competition with 19 points and 6 boards. The result means Lebanon will play Chinese Taipei and must win to survive in the top tier. 

Daily Highs

Efficiency: 35 - Xu Han (CHN)
Points:  33 - Xu Han (CHN)
Rebounds:  15 - Jack Animam (PHI)
Assists:  7 - Yu-Ting Lin (TPE), Meng Li (CHN)
Steals:  4 - Jihyun Park (KOR)
Blocks:  4 - Xu Han (CHN)

Results

Group A
New Zealand 76-45 Lebanon
China 87-81 (OT) Korea

Group B
Chinese Taipei 92-81 Philippines
Australia 66-91 Japan 

FIBA