Hoopsters hold their nerve to net home glory

Team China digs deep to edge Japan to gold in thrilling, sold-out final

While China's women's basketball team had dominated their previous five games at the Hangzhou Asiad with an average winning margin of 52.4 points, they barely beat Japan 74-72 at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium on Thursday.

"The Japanese team is fast and excels at 3-pointers," said Team China coach Zheng Wei.

"They've averaged around 14 or 15 3-point shots per game in this tournament. But we cut them down to seven today.

"We faced challenges in the paint and allowed them to score some points there. But ultimately our ability to neutralize Japan's strengths led us to victory."

Zheng said the team had grown over the past five years through such competitions as the World Cup and Asian Cup.

"They've definitely toughened up and can manage pressure better," Zheng said. "Team China remains composed and steadfast during crucial moments. Our success is the direct result of overcoming these formidable challenges."

There was big pressure on the women's team to triumph following their male counterparts' disappointing defeat to the Philippines on Wednesday.

The championship game garnered exceptional fanfare. The stadium was packed to capacity, while fans outside were glued to the game on their phones.

Japan proved formidable although they never held the lead. They did, however, tie the score at 72-72 with just 17 seconds left on the clock.

The crowd erupted when China's Wang Siyu sank the winning basket. Japan's Akaho Himawari missed a subsequent shot that could have tied the game with just three seconds remaining.

Team China's Huang Sijing attributed Wang's clutch score to their relentless training.

"This is a standard play for our team," Huang said.

"Last year, Wang drained two critical free throws against Australia in the World Cup. Every small detail you witness on the court is a reflection of our countless hours of practice. While we may not view it as particularly exceptional, it is the outcome of our dedicated training."

This marks Team China's second consecutive Asian Games women's basketball championship and seventh Asiad gold.

Li Meng, who's known for her distinctive gray-yellow hair and impeccable makeup, emerged as China's top scorer in the match.

"Our accomplishments aren't the result of one individual's contributions but of the combined dedication of the whole team," she said.

"I'm deeply appreciative of the fans who came out to support us and those who silently cheered for us from their homes. We entered the game with unwavering belief and made extensive preparations against adversity. Whether we were tied, trailing or in the lead, we were committed to giving our all."