Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Australia, South Korea and Japan all claimed victories in Monday’s group-stage matches at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, with Australia cruising past Lebanon, Japan edging the Philippines and South Korea sealing a dramatic last-second win over New Zealand.
Australia continued its dominant run with a commanding 113-34 victory over Lebanon, following its opening-day thrashing of the Philippines. Across their first two group matches, the Opals have posted a combined point differential of +155.
The game was one-sided from the tip-off, as Australia opened with a 17-0 run and held Lebanon to single-digit scoring in the first quarter. The Australians maintained defensive intensity throughout, never allowing Lebanon to score more than 11 points in any quarter.
Australia shot 55.5% from the field, dominated rebounds with 60-23, and tallied 39 assists – the highest by any team in a single game so far in this tournament. Eight Australian players scored in double figures, led by Isabelle Bourne’s game-high 15 points. Lebanon’s Nour Labban was the only scorer in double digits for her team, finishing with 11 points.
Australia head coach Paul Goriss praised his team’s focus over the first two games and noted that controlling the rebounds had been a key point of emphasis.
Earlier in the day, veteran center Park Ji-su delivered a buzzer-beating layup with just 0.5 seconds left to lift South Korea to a thrilling 78-76 win over New Zealand.
South Korea had led by 11 points after three quarters, but saw its advantage disappear after New Zealand’s Emilia Shearer hit a go-ahead jumper with 6.5 seconds remaining. Park responded with a decisive basket, and New Zealand was unable to convert on the final inbounds play.
However, the win came at a cost. Star shooter Kang Lee-seul, who had scored 19 points, exited late in the third quarter with an apparent leg injury. Choi I-saem led South Korea with 23 points, and Park Ji-hyun added 20. Kang and Choi combined for 11 three-pointers.
Shearer finished with 22 points for New Zealand, while Rebecca Kathleen Pizzey and McKenna Dale each contributed 11.
“We are prepared even if Lee-seul can’t play. The same goes for someone like Ji-su – we’re ready to adjust,” said South Korea head coach Park Soo-ho, whose team now faces defending champion China on Tuesday.
In Monday’s final group game, 2023 runner-up Japan was given a late scare but held on for an 85-82 win over the Philippines.
Japan appeared to be in control with a 14-point lead with just three minutes remaining, but a late surge from Naomi Natalie Panganiban and Jack Animam narrowed the gap to six points with 15 seconds left. Despite a clutch three-pointer from Vanessa De Jesus, the Philippines ran out of time and fell just short of a dramatic comeback.
Japan, which had edged Lebanon by just four points in its group-stage opener, has yet to fully find its offensive rhythm. Playing against the Philippines, they improved slightly, shooting 44.4% from the field – still below their usual standards. With a crucial matchup against high-flying Australia ahead, Japan will need to tighten up on both ends.
Veteran Maki Takada led Japan with 20 points, while 20-year-old Minami Yabu added 15. For the Philippines, Animam posted a game-high 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.