Australia Opals Win First Asia Cup Title Since 2015 Defeating Japan

Australia's Opals captured their first-ever Women's Asia Cup title with an 88-79 victory over six-time champions Japan in China, overcoming a late comeback to secure gold after previous silver and bronze finishes. The Opals, ranked second in the world, led from the start and built an 11-point halftime lead, with key contributions from MVP Alexandra Fowler, who scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds, and Alex Wilson, who led a decisive late fourth-quarter run. Japan, ranked ninth and having stunned hosts China in the semifinals, rallied in the final quarter led by Kokoro Tanaka's 21 points but ultimately fell short. Coach Paul Goriss praised his team's commitment to the game plan and resilience throughout the tournament. Several top Australian players were absent due to WNBA commitments, yet the new-look squad demonstrated depth and determination. With this victory, the Opals secure automatic qualification for the expanded 16-team 2026 Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, joining hosts Germany, USA, and Belgium.