The Gems stuck to gameplan against China and 7’3” star Ziyu Zhang (42 PTS, 14 REB) and outlasted the host nation to defend the title, 96 – 79.
Saffron Shiels rounded out an incredible tournament with 31 points and 15 rebounds, Monique Bobongie had 23 points and Monique Williams had 12 points alongside sharing the key defensive responsibilities on Zhang with Jade Crook.
The game started as a tight affair with both teams jostling for the lead throughout the first quarter. Australia managed to hold on to a slim three-point lead heading into the first break.
Australia jumped out to a comprehensive 14-point lead, 46-32 with minutes to go in the first half, but a spirited 8-0 run from China brought them within touching distance trailing 49-42 at the midway point.
China started the second half hot, playing their offence through Ziyu Zhang and eventually taking the lead 56-61 with three minutes left in the third quarter. However, Shiels stood up with a perfect 9/9 from the field through three quarters to close out 68-63 at the final break.
Australia had all the answers in the fourth, scoring efficiently using fast paced tempo and high energy defending to limit Zhang's game in the post. The Gems finished with four players in double digits, with Williams and Deas scoring 12 points each, whilst the duo of Shiels and Bobongie took the game away from China by shooting lights out.
The Gems are only the third team, alongside China and South Korea, to win repeat titles at the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup since the inception of the tournament in 1970.
Saffron Shiels & Lara Somfai were named in the tournament All Star 5. Ziyu Zhang was named tournament MVP.
FIBA Women's U18 Asia Cup 2024 - Final
Box Score - Access Here
Team - Access Here
Tournament Statistics - Access Here
