Australia and China join Japan and Korea at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2019

BENGALURU (FIBA U18 Women's Asian Championship 2018) – The four teams with top billing coming into the Championship, proved their credentials by progressing to the semifinals. 

Australia and China joined the already qualified Japan and Korea, as the four Asia/Oceania teams at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2019.

Australia put its surprise loss to Korea in the final group game, behind them, by returning to dominant ways against Oceania rival New Zealand.

Facing familiar foes, the Gems steadily built their lead through the four quarters to eventually win by a comfortable, 82-66 margin. New Zealand's primary scoring duo of guard Charlisse Leger-Walker and power forward Charlotte Whittaker were contained to just 7 points combined. In their absence, small forward Ella Bradley put up a fighting 14 pts/12 reb double double in the losing cause. Meanwhile, for Australia, center Isobel Anstey continued her consistent run in the Championship, with a double double of her own.

China reinforced its dominance against regional rivals Chinese Taipei, winning 80-53. The result marked China's sixth straight win over Taipei in the FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Women.

New Zealand and Taipei will now face off in a 5-6 classification game.

Earlier in the day, Indonesia beat Malaysia 86-35 to stave off relegation. Malaysia, on the other hand, has been pushed down to Division B for the next edition.

RESULTS

Australia bt New Zealand, 82-66

China bt Chinese Taipei, 80-53

Indonesia bt Malaysia, 86-35

 FIBA