Australia, Japan win big to clinch spots in Semi-Finals and U17 Women's World Cup

AMMAN (Jordan) - Japan and Australia claim wins, locking up their spots in the Semi-Finals at the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship 2022 Division A.

In the first game of Division A, Japan busted the gap wide open in the second half to beat New Zealand, 87-49.

The first quarter went back and forth with 6 lead changes and ended 20-19 in favor of the Junior Tall Ferns. Japan overtook the lead int eh second quarter and started building up their lead, but it was still relatively close at only 6 points heading into the halftime break.

However, it was in the third quarter where Japan exploded for a 17-0 run in just a bit over 3 minutes to command the lead for good.

Even as Japan went scoreless for nearly 6 minutes in the fourth quarter, they had built up a big enough lead to stay ahead onwards to another win.

All of Japan’s fielded players scored in today’s game with four players reach double digits. The leading scorers for Japan at 16 points each were Iroha Higashi and Kokora Tanaka. Japan’s pressure defense got them 20 steals and forced New Zealand into committing 37 turnovers which was where Japan were able to build their lead. Japan scored 48 points off turnovers and 33 points in transition.

Leading the way for New Zealand was Maia Jones who had 15 points.

In the second game of the day, Australia cruised to a 104-34 win over India for their third straight victory. They remain the only undefeated team so far in Division A.

The Sapphires warmed up their engines and had all cylinders firing from the second quarter onwards. It was in the third quarter where Australia held India scoreless for nearly 9 minutes as they built an 18-0 run.

All players scored for Australia, as they shot an efficient 53.5 percent from the floor and a blistering 45.5 percent from the three-point line. They also dominated on the boards with 68 rebounds to India’s 23.

Leading the way in scoring for the Sapphires this game was Lulu Laditan who had 17 points to go with 4 rebounds.

Japan and Australia have locked up their spots in the Semi-Finals, while the last spots remaining will be decided in tomorrow's games.

Korea will have the opportunity to clinch their spot outright with a win over Australia in their game at 9:00 (GMT +3). Meanwhile, New Zealand and India will play at 11:15 (GMT +3) where either New Zealand can lock up their spot in the Semi-Finals or India can sneak in with their first win of Division A.

 

FIBA