Chen Mingling (L) goes for a layup during the women's 3X3 basketball final at the Hangzhou Asian Games on Oct. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)
China crushed Mongolia to clinch the women's 3x3 basketball title, while Japan took the bronze.
HUZHOU, China, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- China overcame an early scare to crush Mongolia 21-12 to retain their women's 3x3 basketball title at the Hangzhou Asian Games on Sunday.
It looked as if China may have faced a tough challenge after Mongolia's Ariuntsetseg Bat-Erdene scored two points with a long-range effort, but they were unable to find much attacking rhythm.
Wan Jiyuan and Chen Mingling scored consecutive points in the paint to help China pull away after the game was tied at 6-6. Meanwhile, Mongolia quickly reached seven fouls, gifting China free throw opportunities.
Wan made two free throws with one minute and 39 seconds remaining to seal the win for China. Wan grabbed a game-high nine points, followed by Chen's five points.
Elsewhere, Japan thrashed Chinese Taipei 21-13 to take the bronze medal. ■