Japan crushes New Zealand to reach Asia Cup final

Japan's Saori Miyazaki drives to the basket during the Women's Asia Cup 2023 basketball semi-final game between Japan and New Zealand in Sydney on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Japan won 88-52. - AFP

SYDNEY (AP): Japan produced another commanding performance at the women’s basketball Asia Cup with a heavy 88-52 defeat of New Zealand in the semifinals on Saturday.

After beating defending champion Australia by 25 points in pool play earlier in the week to top the standings - and earn qualification for the Paris Olympics next year - Japan started fast and never gave New Zealand a foothold in the game.