HANGZHOU, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's women's basketball team remained unbeaten and advanced to the Hangzhou Asian Games final after thrashing DPR Korea 100-44 in the semifinals on Tuesday.

DPR Korean rising star center Pak Ji Na's absence from the game spoiled the expected contest in the paint, and Chinese twin towers Han Xu and Li Yueru had a comfortable time, combining for 35 points and 17 rebounds.

With a significant height advantage, China outrebounded DPR Korea 52-25 and led the blocks 10-0. Veteran shooter Jin Weina started in the game and clinched 17 points without missing a shot, and point guard Li Yuan added 13 points and dished out eight assists.

Jin said the team deployed well in detailed defense with a great attitude. "We will be more confident going into the final," she said.

Only seven DPR Korean players were in action, with Hong Ryo Na scoring a team-high 14 points and Ro Suk Yong adding 11.

China head coach Zheng Wei said at the post-game press conference that her side played "too simply" in the first half. "But after our adjustment in the halftime, we had better third and fourth quarters with higher shooting percentage," she added.

When speaking about the final opponent that will be much more competitive than her side's previous rivals, Zheng said: "The Chinese team has been keeping high-intensity training, and rehearsing all the foreseeable troubles that we may face in our last game here."

Later on Tuesday, Japan cruised past South Korea 81-58.

The final between China and Japan will be staged on Thursday at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)