The Gems are through to the final of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup, riding a blistering opening quarter to a 78-59 semi-final win over China.
Australia did the damage early and held firm as China fought back, with Isabel Smith’s 22 points and a Madison Ryan double-double leading the way.
Q1: AUS 31 - 9 CHN
Australia could not have asked for a better start, finding their offensive rhythm early and locking in at the defensive end.
The Gems poured in 31 points for the quarter while keeping China to single figures, opening up a 22-point lead at the first break.
Q2: AUS 43 - 28 CHN
China found their feet in the second, lifting their intensity and making Australia work for every look.
The Gems were held to 12 points as China took the quarter 19-12, trimming the margin to 15 at the main break.
Q3: AUS 59 - 46 CHN
China kept coming in the third, taking the quarter 18-16, but Australia’s work on the glass kept them at arm’s length.
Jemyma Manyok finished with 16 of the Gems’ 52 rebounds, while Olivia Olechnowicz’s 14 points and five assists helped Australia to a 13-point lead at the final change.
Q4: AUS 78 - 59 CHN
China cut the margin to 11 midway through the final term, but Isabel Smith answered with four straight points on her way to eight for the quarter.
Madison Ryan added six late points, completing a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds as Australia closed out a 19-point win.
Australia will meet Japan in the final on Saturday night at 10pm AEDT.
