In a thrilling showdown in Shenzhen, Japan stunned defending champions and tournament hosts China with a 90-81 win in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup semifinal. The game lit up the court as the Japanese squad sunk 16 three-pointers, leaving fans buzzing with excitement! 🏀✨
Leading the charge was 19-year-old Kokoro Tanaka, who dazzled with a game-high 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting. Veteran Yuki Miyazawa added 18 points, while Norika Konno contributed 14, proving that teamwork and determination make all the difference.
China, with notable efforts from Yang Shuyu (19 points), Han Xu (18), and Zhang Ziyu (17), faced early hurdles with five turnovers in the first quarter, including four in just three minutes. Although they rallied in the second quarter to snatch a slim lead, Japan's relentless fast-paced offense turned the tide after halftime.
With an eight-point cushion built in the final 10 minutes, Japan secured their spot in the title game against Australia. This stunning upset not only shifts the dynamics of the tournament but also mirrors the innovative, energetic spirit that defines today’s digital age. Whether you're catching games on your mobile or streaming the latest trends, this victory is pure inspiration!
Reference(s):
Japan shock titleholders China to reach FIBA Women's Asia Cup final
cgtn.com
