#2 in the world, #1 in Asia. China holds off Japan 73-71 in a close final, and win gold at the #FIBA #AsiaCupWomen in Sydney; Han Xu had 26/10 to lead the way, with 17 and some clutch late FT from Li Meng. Takada Maki had 17 for Japan; Hayashi Saki added 12.

Australia finished 3rd after an 81-59 win over New Zealand; the Tall Ferns were within 10 for most of the game but the home team pulled away late. 11/11 for Anneli Maley (AUS); 19/11 for Penina Davidson (NZL).

#FIBA #AsiaCupWomen medal games are set- Australia's gold medal run is over after they fell to China's stifling defence. Opals went 10/31 after halftime and just seemed really tentative; as a result they were outscored 39-28, the visitors' Han Xu with 17p/15r/4b to lead the way.

World #2 China now faces Japan for the gold at about 15:00 AEST; the Aussies play New Zealand for the bronze at 12:30.

China 74 (Han Xu 17 Wang Siyu 13 Pan Zhengqi 9) def Australia 60 (Kunek 16 Heal12 Rocci 10).

Semifinals coming up today (Saturday) in the #FIBA #AsiaCupWomen :

14:30 AEST Playoff for 5th: Philippines 🇵🇭 v 🇰🇷 Korea Reublic
17:00 Semi-Final: Japan 🇯🇵 v 🇳🇿 New Zealand
19:30 Semi-Final: China 🇨🇳 v 🇦🇺 Australia

On ESPN down under. (Sorry no recap of Friday games, I was at Townsville v Rockhampton in NBL1.)

NZL 83 – 78 PHL | Final #AsiaCupWomen

Congratulations, New Zealand 🇳🇿!