Japan’s Kokoro Tanaka (R) of Japan drives forward against New Zealand at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, July 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)
SHENZHEN, July 18 (Xinhua) — Japan beat New Zealand 77-62 at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup here on Friday, securing a semifinal spot to face defending champion China.
The two sides traded baskets from beyond the arc after the tip-off, before both teams went scoreless for almost three minutes until Kokoro Tanaka made a jump shot.
Leading by 19-17 into the second quarter, Japan began to find its shooting groove, extending the lead to eight points with 3-pointers from Tanaka and Nanako Todo. New Zealand soon answered with consecutive scoring in the paint, turned the tables to lead 41-39 at halftime.
Back from the locker room, Japan stormed 11-0 to set the tune for the second half. Despite New Zealand’s attempt to cut the deficit from double digits in the early fourth quarter, Japan managed to wrap up the game 77-62.
Players (R) from Japan and New Zealand greet each other after the match. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)
19-year-old Tanaka, who was still representing Japan in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup last year, had a team-high 17 points with four assists. Norika Konno added 13 points, Yuki Miyazawa contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds.
New Zealand’s Esra McGoldrick had a game-high 28 points and 12 rebounds.
Japan will play China on Saturday night, after the defending champion advanced undefeated to the semifinals directly from the group stage.
“This is the game I think any basketball player could dream of, the type of game that when you were a kid, you hoped you’ll get a chance to play,” commented Japan coach Corey Gaines. “It’s an honor, it’s a privilege to play against China in China, in front of the crowd, that’s what you played the game for.” ■