JPN/AUS - Japan triumph over Australia, will face Russia for fifth place

TOULOUSE (FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – Japan beat Australia 95-92 in a high-scoring and entertaining game to set up a clash with Russia on Sunday morning with fifth place at stake.

Yuki Miyazawa and Yume Negishi got Japan out to an early lead in a fast-paced first quarter before the Aussies found their marks. However, the girls from Down Under did not have the firepower to match their opponents, who were simply red hot and hit six of eight three-pointers for a 34-26 advantage.

Peter Lonergan’s charges got into the full flow of their offense in the second period. Behind the firepower of Gretel Tippett and Sarah Blicavs, they outscored the Japanese 33-20 for a 59-54 edge at halftime.

However, Japan came back out of the locker room with more energy than their opponents who surrendered the lead with 2:30 left in the third period and played from behind for much of the rest of the way.

Shinichiro Hayashi’s girls led 80-73 at the start of the final frame. Tippett helped Australia get back in front, 88-87, with 3:30 remaining, but Miyazawa took over down the stretch to ensure that Japan will finish the first-ever FIBA U17 World Championship for Women no worse than sixth.

Quotes

Shinichiro Hayashi (Japan head coach): We were able to rely on our great shooting and quickness to win the game. It’s a very good result. Australia are a tough team.

Peter Lonergan (Australia head coach): We struggled to contain their skills and quickness. They played amazingly and shot very well from three-point range. I must give full credit to their team. I am very disappointed for Tipett who scored 34 points in 31 minutes. She has been a warrior, a leader. It’s been a privilege to coach her. I feel sorry for her. She deserved better from the team and from me.

FIBA/LOC