China, Japan, Korea Men’s and Women’s teams remain in contention at Asian Games

HANGZHOU (China) – Both men’s and women’s teams of China, Japan, and Korea remain in contention for gold medals at the 19th Asian Games.

Key Storylines

-Women’s Asia Cup 2023 Finalists both advance to Semi-Finals
-Korea, DPR Korea also among final four teams in women’s bracket
-No suspense on men’s end, higher ranked teams prevail

Recap

Women’s Basketball

In the Women’s Basketball bracket, Women’s Asia Cup 2023 Finalists China and Japan both advanced along with Korea and DPR Korea to fill out the Semi-Finals field.

China were the first to go through, as the hosts pulled off yet another dominating win 104-60 against Chinese Taipei. The terrific trio pulled off an amazing feat by scoring at least 25 points each in this game; Xu Han scored 25, Meng Li scored 26, and Yueru Li led the team with 29 points along with 12 rebounds.

DPR Korea picked up their Semi-Finals ticket at the same time with a 96-57 win over India. Jina Pak was able to take a small breather in this game but nonetheless ended up with 29 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks for DPR Korea.

China will face DPR Korea in the Semi-Finals.

Japan were quick to make their way to the Semi-Finals as well, defeating Indonesia 89-47. Five players scored in double-digits for Japan, led by 15 points from Mai Kawai. Indonesia complete a run through the Asian Games by facing both the Champions and Finalists of the Women’s Asia Cup 2023, serving as a preview of what they will have to prepare for in their Division A debut in 2025.

Korea withstood a spirited effort by the Philippines but nonetheless came away with a 93-71 win to advance to the next round. Four players scored at least 12 points for Korea with Jisu Park and Leeseul Kang both scoring 15 each. Korea had also recently defeated the Philippines 80-71 for 6th place at the recent Women’s Asia Cup.

DPR Korea will play against Korea for a spot to the Final.

Men’s Basketball

Saudi Arabia punched their ticket to the Quarter-Finals with a strong start to a 95-72 win over Hong Kong. Three starters (Mohammed Alsuwailem, Mathna Almarwani, and Khaled Abdel Gabar) scored at least 16 points for Saudi Arabia each while Thamer Mohammed added 11 points off the bench.

Chinese Taipei took control early on in similar fashion against Kazakhstan on their way to an 83-62 victory. Lin Ting Chien continues to prove his star status, leading the team with 19 points and 8 assists.

The Philippines also had no issues getting through Qatar to reach the Quarter-Finals in an 80-41 win. Seven players scored at least 8 points each in a balanced effort by Gilas Plipinas

The last game to conclude in the day resulted in Korea coming out on top over Bahrain, 88-73. All players got on the scoreboard for Korea with Yungi Ha scoring 16 points to lead the team.

With the results, the Quarter-Finals field is now set for men’s basketball at the 19th Asian Games which will include some juicy encounters, including an Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers preview:

Iran vs Philippines
China vs Korea
Jordan vs Saudi Arabia
Japan vs Chinese Taipei

Upcoming Games (3 October)

Men’s Basketball (Quarter-Finals)

Iran vs Philippines 12:00 (GMT +8)
China vs Korea 12:00 (GMT +8)
Jordan vs Saudi Arabia 16:00 (GMT +8)
Japan vs Chinese Taipei 20:00 (GMT +8)

Women’s Basketball (Semi-Finals)

DPR Korea vs China 16:00 (GMT +8)
Japan vs Korea 20:00 (GMT +8)

FIBA