Women's Asia Cup champions dominate; Japan, Korea, Philippines, India also win in Asian Games

HANGZHOU (China) - The recent FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023 Champions China and Finalists Japan both claimed wins in the first day of Women's Basketball at the 19th Asian Games.

Key Storylines

- Women's Asia Cup 2023 Champions and Asian Games hosts dominate
- Women's Asia Cup 2023 Finalists also with big win
- Division A mainstays Korea, Philippines take care of business
- Tough starts for Chinese Taipei, Indonesia

Recap

Featuring a lineup similar to the one that recently won the FIBA Women's Asia Cup earlier in Sydney this year with the addition on Li Yueru, China had no trouble taking care of Mongolia who had made their FIBA debut this year, 101-46. Yueru dominated in this appearance with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.

Japan, who had lost to China in the Final of the Women's Asia Cup also scored a big win, 118-46, against Hong Kong.

Seven Japan players scored in double digits, led by Azusa Asahina and Maki Takada, who had 17 points.

Another team to claim a big victory was Korea, with five players scoring at least 12 points to win 90-56 against Thailand. Jisu Park led the team with 19 points while Leesuel Kang added 18.

The Philippines continue to prove that they are a team on the rise, shaking off a slow start to win 83-59 against Kazakhstan. Janine Pontejos caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down 7 three-pointers for 21 points to lead Gilas Pilipinas Women.

India treated Indonesia, who were promoted to Women's Asia Cup Division A this year, to a 66-46 defeat.

Chinese Taipei, who were relegated to Division B this year, also struggled, losing to DPR Korea 91-77 to tip things off in their Asian Games campaign. Sukyong Ro, who has shined in many Women's Asia Cups, had 16 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, and 4 steals while Jina Pak scored 40 points.

Upcoming Games (28 September)

Men's Basketball

Bahrain vs Jordan 11:00 (GMT +8)
Thailand vs Philippines 11:00 (GMT +8)
Qatar vs Korea 13:30 (GMT +8)
Indonesia vs Japan 13:30 (GMT +8)
Saudi Arabia vs Iran 17:30 (GMT +8)
UAE vs Kazakhstan 17:30 (GMT +8)
Chinese Taipei vs China 20:00 (GMT +8)
Mongolia vs Hong Kong, China 20:00 (GMT +8)

FIBA