FIBA Women’s Asia Cup: Australia defeated six-time champion Japan 88-79 on Sunday, July 20, in the People’s Republic of China, to win their first FIBA Women’s Asia Cup title, highlighting their status as a rising power.
Australia, who had already won 79-67 against their Japanese opponent in the group rounds, took the lead right away and led by 11 points at the half. Six-time Asian champion Japan, however, came back in the last quarter, with power forward Yuki Miyazawa at one point making three consecutive 3-pointers to tie the game with seven minutes remaining.
As time ran out for a Japanese team that was growing more and more desperate, the Opals prevailed thanks to two missed free throws by Japan and important baskets from Australian stars Alexandra Fowler and Alex Brooke Wilson.
However, after gaining a 16–13 advantage against the Opals, the Japanese team shown class by making up some lost ground and cutting the lead to eight points.
A seventh FIBA Women’s Asia Cup title victory was still a long way off for the seasoned finalists. Two three-pointers from Yuki Miyazawa and one from Maki Takada put the Asian powerhouse within two points of the lead. Maki then made it 70-70, tying the score for the first time since the first quarter.
Thanks to a 10-point run from Alex Brooke Wilson, the tough Australians were able to neutralize the Japanese danger (80-73).
Wilson’s performance in the fourth quarter, which was crucial to her team’s first Asian championship, lessened the impact of Japan’s comeback.
With 15 points, two assists, and six rebounds, Alexandra Fowler emerged as the player who contributed the most to Australia’s victory.
