China edges S. Korea to win Asian Basketball Championship title

The final of the women's Asian Basketball Championship pitting China against South Korea on Sunday evening. China, attempted to defend its Asian title, but also looked for a little revenge after losing to the Korean women earlier in the tournament. These two sides, remarkably well matched over the years, in 24 previous games between the two. The record was an even 12-12. These two teams, played a thriller in the opener of group play one week ago. China, downed by South Korea in double overtime. South Korea, unbeaten heading into the final. China came out early on, intending to work the ball around and spread out the Korean defence?some nice passing here, but the ball just bouncing out. But thankfully for the Chinese girls, the Koreans also got off to a slow start, some pretty blatant travelling here leading to a turnover. It would take China over five minutes to get their first field goal. Miao Lijie, getting the jumper to go. China would take a 10-9 lead after the first quarter. China, would build up a five point lead in the 2nd after Chen Nan gets the little lay-up to go. But, in the second half, South Korea began to find their range, and would go up by three thanks to the Lee Younhua triple. China's Ma Zengyu would answer that triple with one of her own. This one, close all the way. With just over a minute to play, and the game tied, veteran Miao Lijie nails the three-pointer to give China the 62-59 advantage. South Korea would press hard at the end, but the Chinese women were able to hold on. 65-62 the final for China as they repeat as Asian Champions and punch their ticket for next year's London Olympics. 30-year-old Miao Lijie of China, was named MVP of the Asian championship.