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Australian Sapphires Shine, Gilas Girls Stun In U16 Asia Cup Thrillers
Photo credit: FIBA
The Australian Sapphires have solidified their place as a powerhouse, dominating their way into the FIBA U16 Women's Asia Cup 2025 Semi-Finals with a resounding 126-46 victory over Chinese Taipei. The win, which took place Wednesday at the Karisma Arena, not only secured the top spot in Group A for the Australians but also officially booked their ticket to the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup next year in Czechia.
The Sapphires, who are now an unblemished 3-0, set the tone early with an 11-0 run fueled by Sophie Richardson and Isabel Smith, ending the first quarter with a commanding 28-11 lead. They never looked back, putting on a masterful performance on both ends of the court. Their offense was incredibly efficient, shooting a remarkable 65.7% from the field, while their defense stifled a Chinese Taipei squad that had been averaging 81 points per game.
Isabel Smith led the charge for the young Aussies with a game-high 19 points, 9 assists, and 2 rebounds. Richardson complemented her with 17 points, as the duo combined for eight of the team's 11 three-pointers. Madison Ryan added 13 points and 6 assists, while Marianela Fakalata contributed 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jemyma Manyok and Laura Seiz each chipped in 11 points, with Manyok also grabbing an impressive 13 rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ Gilas Girls delivered a moment of pure drama in their own contest, securing a historic 77-75 victory over Korea. In a nail-biting finish, it was Tiffany Reyes who emerged as the hero, sinking a game-winning jumper at the buzzer to clinch the program's first-ever win in Division A.
Despite letting a 69-60 fourth-quarter lead slip away, the Gilas Girls showed incredible resolve. With the game tied at 75-all in the final seconds, Reyes, celebrating her 15th birthday, executed a flawless fake before stepping in for the clutch shot. She finished with 16 points, helping the Philippines to a third-place finish in Group A and securing a spot in the Qualification to Semi-Finals.
Ella Smith was the top scorer for the Philippines with 21 points and 7 rebounds, while Ruiza Olmos added 12. For Korea, who are now 0-3 and headed to a relegation battle, Lim Seun put up a valiant effort with 31 points and 8 rebounds. The defeat is particularly surprising for a Korean team that has historically been a force in the tournament, having won four medals in the past.
The Sapphires, who are now an unblemished 3-0, set the tone early with an 11-0 run fueled by Sophie Richardson and Isabel Smith, ending the first quarter with a commanding 28-11 lead. They never looked back, putting on a masterful performance on both ends of the court. Their offense was incredibly efficient, shooting a remarkable 65.7% from the field, while their defense stifled a Chinese Taipei squad that had been averaging 81 points per game.
Isabel Smith led the charge for the young Aussies with a game-high 19 points, 9 assists, and 2 rebounds. Richardson complemented her with 17 points, as the duo combined for eight of the team's 11 three-pointers. Madison Ryan added 13 points and 6 assists, while Marianela Fakalata contributed 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jemyma Manyok and Laura Seiz each chipped in 11 points, with Manyok also grabbing an impressive 13 rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ Gilas Girls delivered a moment of pure drama in their own contest, securing a historic 77-75 victory over Korea. In a nail-biting finish, it was Tiffany Reyes who emerged as the hero, sinking a game-winning jumper at the buzzer to clinch the program's first-ever win in Division A.
Despite letting a 69-60 fourth-quarter lead slip away, the Gilas Girls showed incredible resolve. With the game tied at 75-all in the final seconds, Reyes, celebrating her 15th birthday, executed a flawless fake before stepping in for the clutch shot. She finished with 16 points, helping the Philippines to a third-place finish in Group A and securing a spot in the Qualification to Semi-Finals.
Ella Smith was the top scorer for the Philippines with 21 points and 7 rebounds, while Ruiza Olmos added 12. For Korea, who are now 0-3 and headed to a relegation battle, Lim Seun put up a valiant effort with 31 points and 8 rebounds. The defeat is particularly surprising for a Korean team that has historically been a force in the tournament, having won four medals in the past.
Sep 24, 2025
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