China enter Final after overpowering Chinese Taipei

BANGKOK (FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Women 2016) – China proved to be too big and too strong for Chinese Taipei in the Semi-Finals of the FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Women 2016. Coach Cong Xuedi's wards dominated early and often in their masterful 64-35 triumph over their East Asia rivals. The defending champions leaned on the troika of Li Yueru, Zhang Ru and Wang Jiaqi to book their twelfth straight appearance in the continental U18 Final.

Turning Point: Taipei were able to keep in step with China in the first two minutes of the match, trailing 5-4 early in the first quarter, but coach Cong's squad stepped on the gas to pull away afterwards. A 16-6 run gave China their first double-digit lead of the match, and they never relinquished it.

Stats Don't Lie: As expected, China imposed their will in the paint. With Li and Zhang leading the charge, the defending champions out-rebounded their foes, 66-32, and outscored them around basket as well, 42-12. Try as they might, Chinese Taipei, who were 10cm shorter on average, just could not match up well.

Game Hero: 17-year-old Li Yueru was unstoppable. The 2.00m center dominated in the box and had her way with every Taipei defender thrown at her. She scored 20 points on 9-of-14 field goal shooting and grabbed 17 rebounds. This was her third double-double performance of the tournament.

The Bottom Line: China were all business in this game, and that approach paid off. They were expected to breeze through the competition and make it to the Final, where they are hoping to annex their fourth title in a row. On the opposite side will be familiar foes Japan, who have tangled with the Chinese in the last five Finals. As for Chinese Taipei, they have nothing to be ashamed of. They put up a gallant stand and should strive to pull the rug from under the Koreans in tomorrow's battle for third.

FIBA