Defending champions Australia soared to victory, defeating China 96-79 to clinch the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup title on Sunday. The intense matchup kept fans on the edge of their seats, with both teams showcasing incredible talent and determination.
Chinese standout Zhang Ziyu was unstoppable, dropping an impressive 42 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Despite her phenomenal performance, the Australian squad's teamwork shone through, with four players scoring in double digits to secure the win and silence the home crowd.
Zhang, only 17, was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP). Reflecting on the game, she said, \"It was an important game for me. I had regrets, but it was also a good opportunity for me to improve myself. I hope I can do better next time.\"
The game was a rollercoaster 🎢. Australia led 49-42 at halftime, but Zhang sparked an 8-0 run after the break, pushing China ahead. Not to be outdone, Australia's Saffron Shiels answered with five straight points, reclaiming the lead. A decisive 12-0 run in the final quarter sealed the deal for Australia, leaving basketball fans in awe.
This clash was more than just a game; it was a showcase of young talent and the spirit of competition. Whether you're a hoops fanatic or just love a good underdog story, this matchup had it all! 🏀🔥
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
