Japan’s Nako Motohashi named TISSOT MVP to headline Women’s Asia Cup All-Star Five

BENGALURU (India) - Nako Motohashi was named the TISSOT Most Valuable Player of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2019 after a fiery scoring performance in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup Final against China. Japan won to claim their 4th straight Women's Asia Cup crown, 71-68.

25-year-old Motohashi led the way in the championship game with 24 points and 8 assists to help Japan retain their seat at the Women's Asia Cup throne. With averages of 17.0 points and 5.0 assists per game, she finished as the entire tournament's leader in both categories.

Also named to the All-Star Five of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2019 along with Motohashi is teammate Yuki Miyazawa, Australia's Rebecca Allen, and China duo of Shao Ting and Xu Han.

Miyazawa was just as impressive for Japan as her MVP teammate Motohashi, finishing in second of the tournament in scoring (12.8 points per game) and rebounding (9.0 rebounds per game). It was her 19-point, 15-rebound effort in the Semi-finals that pushed Japan over Australia on their way to defend the title.

Shao Ting had one of the biggest moments of the entire Women's Asia Cup when her spinning drive towards the basket resulted in a historic win for China over Australia. Over the course of the competition, she averaged 5.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.

Han Xu made her anticipated Women's Asia Cup debut and shined brightly for China with 11.8 points and 6.0 rebounds while leading all players in blocks at 2.6 per game.

Wrapping up the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2019 All-Star Five cast is Australia's Rebecca Allen who was also making her Asia Cup debut. Allen finished with 11.7 points and 4.5 rebounds for the Opals. 

FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2019 All-Star Five

Nako Motohashi, Japan (TISSOT MVP) - 17.0 points, 5.0 assists per game
Yuki Miyazawa, Japan - 12.8 points, 9.0 rebounds per game
Shao Ting, China - 5.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists per game
Han Xu, China - 11.8 points , 6.0 rebounds, 2.6 blocks per game
Rebecca Allen, Australia - 11.7 points, 4.5 rebounds per game

FIBA