FIBA Women's Asia Cup: China overpower South Korea, Australia reach semis

July 17, 2025

Yang Shuyu (top left) of China passes the ball during a match against South Korea at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province on Tuesday.

Agency :

China rode on a strong second half to defeat South Korea 91-69, while Australia emerged victorious 79-67 in a clash of titans over Japan to finish as Group-B leader and secure a semi-final spot at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup on Tuesday.

China had an early 7-0 run on the way to a 13-5 lead, while guard An He-ji’s buzzer-beating heave pulled South Korea within 16-13 as the opening period expired.

An’s another shot from 3-point range moved South Korea on level terms at 19-19. China captain Yang Liwei stepped up, making a layup and then another on a fast break as the host went ahead 30-24. But fueled by Shin Ji-hyun’s five straight points, South Korea stayed in contention.

With its star shooter Kang Lee-seul sidelined due to a leg injury, South Korea had a moment of scare when center Park Ji-su left the court grabbing her right arm with 1:18 left to play in the second quarter. Yang’s layup helped China to a 36-29 halftime lead.

With the twin tower of Zhang Ziyu and Han Xu on the court, China protected the rim excellently after the restart, earning its first double-digit lead at 42-29. China outscored South Korea 30-20 in the third quarter for an unassailable 17-point margin.

Yang drained a 3-pointer with 2:50 on the clock to push the lead to 20 points, effectively sealing the defending champion’s second straight win in as many matches.

Four Chinese players cracked double figures in scoring, with Zhang and Han contributing 18 points apiece. Yang and Zhang Ru helped with 11 and 10 points respectively.

“We were focused on defense in the second half,” said Yang after the game. On her own performance in clutch time, she added, “I didn’t think too much. I just put what I had trained into my play.”

“This game is important for us to finish our task in the group stage,” China coach Gong Luming told a press conference. “We, as a young team, really wanted to play this game well.

At the beginning, players were tight, especially on the offensive end, we were a little bit rushing.”