SEREMBAN (Malaysia) – There were no let-ups whatsoever this time around as New Zealand showed much better poise to beat Japan, 68-64, and advance to the FIBA U16 Women’s Asia Cup 2025 Final, Saturday night.
The 2023 bronze medalists did a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor especially down the stretch, refusing to fold in a solid display of growth and maturity from the last time they faced one another.
It could be recalled that the NZL Girls coughed up a lead as big as 12 points and ultimately bowed to a 76-72 result in their Group Phase encounter, and appeared to be bound for another collapse in the rematch.
Their 16-point third-quarter lead became just two, 55-53, entering the game’s last five minutes with Miya Takeuchi anchoring the opposition’s comeback, but Coach Liam Connelly’s charges stepped up to the challenge.
Ava Jones came through with timely hits from beyond the arc, with Sienna Maurice doing her part by becoming a steady presence most especially from the free throw line that made their foes pay dearly for fouling her.
Maurice would also deliver big-time on defense, coming through with a big steal which she then converted into a bucket to give themselves more breathing room at 67-61 with less than a minute to go.
The Japanese did get to within three again behind Momoka Kaji but could no longer slice the gap further, with New Zealand doubling down on D to force a 24-second shot clock violation with three seconds left.
A split by Charis Broughton with less than two seconds to spare proved to be the finishing touch that enabled the team from Oceania to get a measure of payback – and reach the Final for the very first time.
*This article will be updated.
AloJapan.com