Title favorites continue assertion of FIBA Asia Cup for Women dominance

Korea is 2-0 with Heji An's playmaking.

The expected favorites to fight for the 2021 edition of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup won their respective matches on Tuesday, setting up an interesting final Matchday for Wednesday.

Japan faced a tough test against New Zealand, to kick off the quadruple-header at the Prince Hamza Arena.

The defending champions struggled early on against the Tall Ferns, trailing after the first quarter, 20-11. They eventually found an offensive rhythm that would allow them to take a 32-31 halftime advantage, one that Japan would never let go of and eventually establish a lead as large as fifteen points.

Stephanie Mawuli led all scorers with fifteen points, with Saki Hayashi adding twelve of her own.

The victory sets up an interesting matchup with Korea for the top spot in Group A, in the aftermath of the latter's 107-69 victory over India.

Korea used a strong third quarter to take control of the game, scoring 33 points and allowing just seven.

India tried to keep pace to prevent a second straight loss, but the East Asians proved to be much.

Leeseul Kang led all scorers with eighteen points, with Heji An dishing out fourteen assists in thirty minutes of action.

In Group B, China imposed its will on Chinese-Taipei, using its commanding size advantage to pummel their opponents, 124-50.

Centers Yueru Li and Xu Han combined to score 38 points on 15/18 shooting to lead the way.

The win sets up a high-stakes match with Australia to see who claims the top spot in Group B. The Opals easily dispatched the Philippines to cap off action for the day, 120-56.