The U18 women’s national basketball team secured an 80-43 victory over South Korea on October 9 at Charisma Arena in Seremban, Malaysia, advancing to the FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Cup final for the first time in three tournaments.
Semifinal Domination at Charisma Arena
Head coach Yoshikazu Suzuki opened the semifinal matchup with the same starting five used throughout the group phase: Miyu Takeuchi, Mion Yamamoto, Marina Koike, Yukio Hosozawa, and Riko Katsube. Japan built a 20-10 lead by the end of the first quarter, fueled by an early three-pointer from Yamamoto, a layup by Katsube, and consecutive three-pointers from Koike. Bench contributions from Moe Sakata, Yumena Mizubayashi, and Yoshiko Otsuki helped sustain the offensive pace.
By halftime, Japan extended its advantage to 40-24, forcing South Korean turnovers through high-intensity pressure defense. The team maintained its momentum into the second half, outscoring South Korea 21-13 in the third quarter to pull ahead 61-37. In the final period, the defense restricted South Korea to just six points, sealing the 37-point victory and bringing the final score to 80-43.
Four Japanese Players Score in Double Figures
Koike led the Japanese attack with 15 points, including two three-pointers, alongside five steals. Katsube added 13 points, Sakata contributed 12 points and six rebounds, and Mizubayashi recorded 10 points and nine rebounds, giving Japan four players in double figures. Rotational depth proved decisive as 10 of the 11 players who took the court found the scoring column, supported by Yamamoto’s eight points, six rebounds, four assists, and five steals, alongside eight points from Aya Ishiwata and six from Otsuki.
The win moves Japan into its 13th appearance in the tournament’s final match and its first since finishing as runners-up in the 2018 competition.
Championship Matchup Against Australia or China
Japan enters the title game seeking its second continental championship and its first since winning the tournament in 2008. The final takes place on October 10 against the winner of the remaining semifinal fixture between Australia and China.
Tournament Match Details
The result leaves Japan with a 80-43 victory over South Korea, with quarter-by-quarter scoring breakdowns recorded as JPN 20-20-21-19 (80) and KOR 10-14-13-6 (43). The final session determines whether the 18-year title drought concludes in Seremban.
