Unbeaten China and Japan reach Women's Basketball Asia Cup semis

　　SYDNEY, June 28 (Xinhua) -- China and Japan recorded victories in contrasting styles on Wednesday to book semifinal spots at the FIBA Women's Basketball Asia Cup.

　　China, world No. 2, were pushed to the limit by an energetic South Korea before prevailing 87-81 in overtime. Star center Han Xu contributed 33 points and 11 rebounds, and Li Meng had 26 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists.

　　"At the start of the game, we weren't aggressive enough, but as the game progressed, we increased the intensity of our defence and our offence had better chemistry," Han told the post-game press conference.

　　China's third straight victory ensured they will now rest until Saturday's semifinal, while third-placed South Korea will face Australia in a knockout game on Friday.

　　China trailed by 11 points in a sluggish first quarter before eventually overcoming South Korea, who have won a record 12 titles, in a nerve-jangling contest.

　　Five-time champions Japan silenced the home crowds with a 91-66 victory over Australia to claim top spot in Group B.

　　Australia made a statement early with the first eight points, but Japan took the upper hand with blistering three-point shooting in the second quarter to lead 44-32 at half-time.

　　Japan's momentum continued in the second half with Monica Okoye (20 points) and Mai Yamamoto (19 points) combining for nine three-pointers.

　　China and Japan also won berths to the 2024 Paris Olympic Qualifying tournament, as the top four ranked teams in the Asia Cup will earn qualification.

　　New Zealand secured second spot in Group A after thrashing Lebanon 76-45 on Day 3.

　　After a big loss to China on Tuesday, New Zealand were boosted by the return of stars Tahlia Tupaea and Penina Davidson who combined for 33 points.

　　New Zealand were aggressive on defence early and limited Lebanon to just six points in the first-quarter en route to a comfortable victory.

　　"I like how the girls have come together. I like how they are playing as a team and the chemistry feels great," New Zealand coach Guy Molloy said.

　　Lebanon will look to avoid being relegated back to Division B when they face Chinese Taipei on Friday.

　　Chinese Taipei slumped to a 92-81 loss to the Philippines, who had previously been thrashed by Australia and Japan.

　　In the battle between the winless teams, Chinese Taipei entered as favourites but struggled against an aggressive Philippines who stormed to a 13-point lead at half-time.

　　With their hopes of progressing further on the line, Chinese Taipei lifted their intensity in the third quarter and it paid off to reduce the margin down to single figures.

　　But Philippines had all the answers with 21-year-old star Vanessa De Jesus hitting clutch shots down the stretch to finish with a game-high 25 points and keep her country's hopes alive.

　　The Philippines will play New Zealand in a knockout game on Friday with a semifinal spot at stake. ■