Japan's players celebrate their victory after winning over China in the 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup final in Amman, Jordan, October 3, 2021. /CFP
Japan won the FIBA Women's Asia Cup for the fifth time in a row on Sunday, beating China 78-73 in the final to win the 2021 tournament in Amman, Jordan.
A rollercoaster battle between the two teams lasted until the final seconds when China rimmed out on a three-point effort, but the turning point was a 12-0 start to the last quarter from Japan, holding China scoreless for four minutes.
Japan's Saori Miyazaki finished the game with 26 points and 11 assists.
China's guard Li Yuan (R) drives to the basket past Japan's shooting guard Saki Hayashi during their 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup final clash with Japan in Amman, Jordan, October 3, 2021. /CFP
Japan's forward Himawari Akaho poses for a picture after receiving the MVP honor at the 2021 FIBA Women's Asia Cup final in Amman, Jordan, October 3, 2021. /CFP
The defeat was tough on Li Yueru and Huang Sijing of China, with the former claiming a double-double of 16 points and 11 assists and Huang taking 18 points and seven rebounds.
Australia finished third after defeating South Korea 88-58.