Australia repeat as champions after nail-biting Final with Japan

AMMAN (Jordan) - Australia claimed their second consecutive FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship after beating Japan, 59-58, in an intense Final matchup.

The title is Australia’s second in as many appearances and also stretches the Sapphires’ undefeated record to 12 games. This was also the second straight Final where Australia and Japan played against each other where both games were decided by a single point.

The game went back and forth with both teams controlling the lead and the momentum. There were 11 lead changes in total in the game with Australia leading in just under 20 minutes of the entire game while Japan led for just over 15.

The turning point of the game was the clutch free-throw shooting of Jada Clark who was fouled in the final seconds and sent to the charity stripe. Clark calmly knocked down both free-throw attempts to reclaim the lead and win the game.

Isla Juffermans wrapped up her campaign with 14 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks in the championship game. Hero of the game, Clark, finished with 13 points.

The Sapphires spoiled a marvelous game from Kokora Tanaka who scored 17 points in 3 three-pointers. Moreover, 2 of those three-pointers were Japan’s last 6 points which helped them get the lead after being down 57-52 in the final stretch. Unfortunately for Japan, it was not enough for them to pull off the win.

Meanwhile, Korea avenged an earlier loss to New Zealand, 78-59, to win third place.

The game was close through the first quarter, but the momentum shifted to Korea when they held New Zealand scoreless for nearly the entire second quarter for an 18-0 run. After another 15-0 run in the second half, the game was firmly in their hands.

Kim Sol was Korea’s best player with 26 points in the game, highlighted by 7 made three-pointers. Sung Suyeon also provided support with 5 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals.

Nor New Zealand, Maia Jones was their leading scorer with 18 points to go with 5 rebounds.

Australia, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand will all be playing at the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Debrecen, Hungary from 9-17 July.

FIBA