On July 1, Beijing time, in the semifinals of the Women's Asian Cup, China defeated Australia 74-60. The Chinese women's basketball team has reached the Asian Cup final for the 21st time and will compete with Japan for the championship.
In the group stage, the Chinese team defeated Lebanon 89-44 and New Zealand 80-46 in a row, and narrowly defeated South Korea 87-81 after extra time, winning the first place in the group with a record of three wins and advancing to the semifinals. Australia beat the Philippines 105-34 in the first two rounds, Chinese Taipei 91-45, lost 66-91 to Japan in the final round, won the group second place with 2-1, and beat South Korea 91-64 in the play-offs to reach the semi-finals.
In the first quarter, McGhan broke through to the basket to complete a layup, Galbin's breakthrough and jumper were scored, and Sherf scored on a fast attack; Luo Xindi scored a layup with a low hand, and Wang Siyu continuously hit the basket and was difficult to stop, and the two sides fought all the way to 11 draws on the court. Li Meng made an open three-pointer, Pan Zhenqi scored after the break, and the Chinese team gradually took control of the initiative on the court, leading 18-11 to end the quarter.
In the second quarter, Kunaik broke through to score the ball, followed by another 3-pointer, scoring seven consecutive points, Roach easily completed a layup, Australia chased the score to 20. Han Xu scored under the basket, Li Yuan and Han Xu hit consecutive three-pointers, Li Meng broke through the low hand and made a layup, and the Chinese team regained the advantage 30-22. Sherf hit a back-up jumper, Hilly scored five straight points on a sudden throw, and Kunek's three-point shot also scored as Australia tied the score at 32. Han Xu hit a 3-pointer to give China a 35-32 lead to end the half.
In the third quarter, Sherf scored on a jumper and Kunak easily made a layup, giving Australia a 36-35 comeback. Gao Song hit a crucial 3-pointer, Wang Siyu broke through to make it 2+1, and Han Xu shot from far at the top of the front arc, giving China an eight-point advantage at 44-36. Kunek scored two consecutive mid-range jumpers as Australia brought the score closer to 41-44. Han Xu's top 3-pointer hit again, Pan Zhenqi turned under the basket and scored a jumper, Zhang Ru quickly made a layup, and China ended the quarter with a 10-point lead at 53-43.
In the final quarter, Zhang Ru made a half-volley, and Jin Weina easily hit an open three-pointer, giving China a 15-point advantage at 58-43. Pan Zhenqi hit 2+1, Jin Weina made another 3-pointer, and the Chinese team still firmly controlled the initiative on the court 64-48. Hill made a big two-point shot and Roach made a three-pointer from the top of the arc to help Australia catch up. Pan Zhenqi made a rebound, Jin Weina ate cake under the basket, and the Chinese team opened up another 15-point gap at 68-53. In the following game, the Chinese team firmly maintained its own advantages and won smoothly.
Starting lineup
China: Gao Song, Han Xu, Li Meng, Yang Liwei, Zhang Ru
Australia: Galbin, Kunaik, McGhan, Roach, Sherf