Japan, China into women's basketball Asian Games semis

The Japanese women's national basketball team. File photo from Agence France-Presse

INCHEON, South Korea - Maya Kawahara top-scored with 10 points as Japan thrashed India 70-37 to reach the Asian Games women's basketball semi-finals on Sunday, September 28.

With South Korea expected to beat Mongolia later on Sunday, the Japanese team had already turned their thoughts to facing the hosts in the last four.

"We've practised a strategy to beat South Korea," said Japan's Hiromi Suwa after the match.

"All the Korean players are really excellent. They also have good teamwork. I think there are many things the Japanese team can learn from the Korean team."

At the Samsan World Gymnasium, China's captain Liu Dan rattled in 18 points in a 71-57 victory over Kazakhstan.

They will face the winners of the later match between Taiwan and Thailand for a place in the final.

Taiwan are heavy favorites to reach the last four and China's head coach was already looking forward to that encounter.

"The Taiwan players are older than our athletes, but I think we are evenly matched," said Wang Guizhi. "But we have one goal and that is to become the champions in this Asian Games." - Rappler.com