Women’s Asia Cup champs China defeat Japan in another instant classic for Asian Games gold

HANGZHOU (China) – Women’s Asia Cup 2023 Finalists engaged in another classic with China coming out on top again to secure their 7th Asian Games gold medal over Japan.

Meanwhile, Korea secured their second bronze medal and 11th Asian Games medal in Women’s Basketball.

In the first game of the day Korea dominated in the final three quarters to win against DPR Korea 93-63 in the bronze medal showdown.

DPR Korea started the game well with a 9-0 run in the first quarter, giving them their biggest lead of the game at 8 points. Jina Pak was impressive once again with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists, but it was not enough to withstand Korea.

The eventual bronze medalists broke out for a 19-0 run to end the third quarter and continued to pile on with a 32-19 fourth quarter to finish off their opposition. Jisu Park had a magnificent game with 25 points, 10 rebounds, 7assists, and 5 steals. However, the main focus was on Danbi Kim who finished the game with 21 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals as it was also her official retirement from national team duties as well – making it a proper send-off for the legendary captain.

In the gold medal game, the two Women’s Asia Cup Finalists did not disappoint as they battled to the very last second with hosts China emerging as victors, 74-72.

China led through the entire game and by as much as 17 points early on after a strong first quarter, but, true to form, Japan came surging back. Akatsuki Japan evened up the score at 65-65 with just three minutes left in the game. Even as China built the lead back up to 5 points, both teams found the score knotted at 72-72 with less than 20 seconds left after a Saki Hayashi three-pointer.

Once again, it was heartbreak for Japan as Siyu Wang scored the game-winner on the following possession for China. Meng Li led China in scoring with 17 points, but it was a balanced effort with five total players scoring at least 10 points for the hosts in Li, game hero Wang (14 points), Yueru Li (13 points), Yuan Li (12 points), and Xu Han (10 points).

Japan’s near hero Saori Miyazaki had 17 points to lead the team while veteran Maki Takada had 13 points.

FIBA