Australian Opals win first gold medal in FIBA Women’s Asia Cup history
In a game for the ages, the Seven Consulting Australian Opals have conquered long-time rivals Japan 88-79 in the gold medal game of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in China.
The Opals and Japan have had a storied history against each other, with Australia finally getting over the hump against them tonight. In 2017, the Opals lost to Japan by one point in the 2017 Final, while also falling short in the 2019 and 2021 Semi Finals, respectively.
Check out the full game summary below:
The first quarter was a standard Opals opening, with their significant size difference and the length to create opportunities from turnovers, Australia set out to attack the paint early. Australia took a quick lead with their interior scoring, dropping 16 points under the basket plus four more points from the charity stripe in the first quarter.
The tone was set by Townsville’s Alex Fowler, scoring seven points inside and pulling down two offensive rebounds in the first five minutes. While UC Capitals’ recruit Zitina Aokuso followed in spirit, backing down Japan and putting in her own six points, which broke open the opposition’s defence.
Japan responded with their elite shooting shown all tournament, led by Kokoro Tanaka’s two made triples and 10 points overall in the quarter. They responded quickly in the second quarter, bringing the margin back within single digits with Tanaka controlling Japan’s tempo. The 19-year-old prodigy finished the half with 19 points and kept Japan in the game heading into the last 20 minutes.
If it wasn’t for former WNBL Champion Steph Reid, the Opals may have lost the lead in the first half, coming in and hitting two quick triples to break Japan’s run. Reid led the Opals’ scoring with 10 points to finish the half, 54-43.
Steph Reid is HEATING UP!! 🔥
The Aussie point guard caught fire in the second quarter as the Opals lead by 9 at half time!
Catch the Women’s FIBA Asia Cup Final LIVE on ESPN on #disneyplusau / #disneyplusnz! 📺 pic.twitter.com/M0sD6ULSIx
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) July 20, 2025
The third quarter was back and forth, with both teams going on impressive scoring runs. The Opals stayed infront with their rebounding and perimeter defence, despite Japan outscoring them by three points overall and 12 points in the paint.
Japan came out firing in the fourth quarter, hitting three triples within two minutes and taking the lead from the Opals. Japan had all the momentum, but Ally Wilsion did her best to keep Australia in the game – scoring five points from fast break opportunities with five minutes remaining.
It’s GAME ON! 🍿
We’re into the last quarter of the FIBA #AsiaCupWomen Final!! 🏆
Catch the Women’s FIBA Asia Cup Final LIVE on ESPN on #disneyplusau / #disneyplusnz! 📺 pic.twitter.com/dVqbTnULiF
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) July 20, 2025
The Perth Lynx star then carried the Opals to the finish line, in just her second game of the tournament (due to knee issues), Wilson’s defence on Tanaka (holding her to 21 points total) and fourth-quarter scoring got Australia their first gold medal in tournament history. She finished the game with 14 points, two rebounds and two steals.
Fowler took away three awards by the end of the tournament, being named the TCL Player of the Game, named to the tournament All-Star Five (alongside Reid) and the tournament MVP. She finished the game with 15 points, six rebounds and two assists in a team-high 30:27 minutes.
Australia now automatically advance to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin.
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