The Japanese women's national basketball team will face China in the semifinals of the International Basketball Federation Women's Asia Cup (FIBA Women's Cup 2025 Division A), after winning 77-62 against New Zealand, at the Shenzhen Sports Center, China.
The victory means Japan will face their arch-rivals again, repeating the 2023 final, which was won by China.
"Making it to the semifinals is a game every basketball player dreams of," Gaines said on the FIBA website, as quoted in Jakarta on Friday.
He added that the match against the hosts would be exciting and tight, so they had to prepare thoroughly.
"Playing against China on home soil, in front of their fans, is an honor," he said.
Meanwhile, in the match against New Zealand, Japan appeared dominant in the third quarter by scoring 22 points and only conceding eight points.
The crucial moment came with the score tied at 45-45, when Mai Kawai scored a three-pointer that opened an 11-0 run.
Maki Takada, Norika Konno, and Kokoro Tanaka also contributed to the series of points until Japan again took the lead 59-47.
Tanaka led Japan with 17 points, four assists , and two steals . Konno added 13 points, including the opening layup in the final quarter, which extended Japan's lead to 68-49.
Additionally, Yuki Miyazawa put in a solid double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, team captain Maki Takada, along with Kawai, Nanako Todo, Stephanie Mawuli, and Ramu Tokashiki, each contributed at least five points in the win.
The semifinals will be Japan's 27th consecutive appearance at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup, with the aim of bringing home the title after their five-game winning streak was ended last year.
On the other hand, Esra McGoldrick was the only highlight from the New Zealand camp, scoring 28 points and 12 rebounds .
The defeat thwarted the Tall Ferns' chances of reaching the semifinals for a second consecutive time. They will now face the loser of South Korea and the Philippines in a fifth-place match.
