WNBL rising stars win Asia Cup gold

The Australian Gems, headlined by three WNBL rising stars, are the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup champions after defeating Japan 83-82 in Saturday’s gold-medal match (AEDT).

Madison Ryan’s late basket secured the victory, handing the green and gold their third straight Asian crown.

The triumph wrapped up an undefeated Malaysian tournament for the Gems, whose squad featured Bendigo’s Olivia Olechnowicz, Townsville’s Cheyenne Bobongie and Adelaide’s Aspen Crase.

“It was really important for me that we try to win this game because it will be the last Asia Cup for some of these girls,” Gems coach Kristi Harrower said.

“I wanted to make sure that they won.”

In the one-point victory, Olechnowicz tallied 15 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, while Bobongie added 7 points, 6 boards, 2 steals, 2 blocks and 1 dime.

Following the tournament, Ryan and Isabel Smith were named in the All-Star Five alongside tournament MVP Miya Takeuchi (Japan), Lim Yeonseo (Korea) and Sun Hanyun (China).