Japan crushes New Zealand to set up Asia Cup final against China

Japan's Himawari Akaho, left, and Nanako Todo, right, compete for the ball with New Zealand's Tayla Dalton, second left, and Tahlia Tupaea during their women's basketball Asia Cup semifinal game in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, July 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

SYDNEY -

Five-time defending champion Japan produced another commanding performance at the women's basketball Asia Cup with a heavy 88-52 defeat of New Zealand in the semifinals on Saturday.

After beating Australia by 25 points in pool play earlier in the week to top the standings -- and earn qualification for the Paris Olympics next year -- Japan started fast and never gave New Zealand a foothold in the game.

China beat Australia 74-60 in the other semifinal game with Han Xu scoring 17 points. China had narrowly led 43-41 toward the end of the third quarter.

Japan and China met in the 2019 and 2021 title games.

Japan won every quarter of Saturday's match with forward Stephanie Mawuli top scoring with 17 points and six rebounds from just over 19 minutes on court, while Monica Okoye scored 16 points with five rebounds in the lopsided contest.

Charlisse Leger-Walker led New Zealand with 14 points.

The eight-team regional tournament doubles as qualifying for next year's Olympics, with the semifinalists -- Japan, Australia, China and New Zealand -- qualifying for Paris 2024.

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