SEREMBAN (Malaysia) - Japan secured a place in the Semi-Finals of the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup 2026 by defeating China 73-68 on Tuesday at the Karisma Arena. The team surged ahead in the final period, with Riko Katsube and Moe Sakata each hitting three-pointers, followed by Miya Takeuchi's five consecutive points which established an 11-0 run, giving Japan a 68-57 lead with 5:11 remaining.

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Takeuchi's additional three-point play extended the lead to 73-66 with 42.3 seconds left, sealing the victory and completing a three-game sweep of Group B. Under Coach Yoshikazu Suzuki, Japan not only claimed the top spot in the group but also qualified for the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2027. Takeuchi led the scoring with 16 points, along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists, exemplifying her performance as she also contributed 5 of the team's 12 steals. Katsube added 14 points, and Sakata contributed 11.

The win was particularly significant for Japan, as it marked their first victory against China since defeating them 76-59 in the 2022 Group Phase, ending a two-game losing streak against the 16-time champions. Li Yuanshan was the standout player for China, scoring 16 points as the team secured second place in the pool with a 2-1 record. China will face the third-placed team from Group B, the Philippines, in the Qualification to the Semi-Finals on Thursday, October 8.

In another match, Gilas Youth defeated New Zealand 69-64, claiming their first win in Division A after trailing at halftime. Forwards Zhao Zirui and Sun Hanyun each scored 13 points for China, with Chen Yuxin adding 10 points and 5 rebounds in their defeat.

In the final group phase game, Chinese Taipei achieved their first win against Malaysia, dominating 106-36. Huang I-Chen led with 17 points and 11 rebounds, supported by teammates Wu Hsuan-Ling, Lin Nian Zhen, and Gao Zi-Qiao. Chinese Taipei finished with a 1-2 record in Group B and will compete against Korea, the second-best team in Group A, for a place in the Semi-Finals. Malaysia remains winless and will play New Zealand for a chance to avoid relegation to Division B at the next U18 Women's Asia Cup.