The Australian Opals are into the FIBA Women's Asia Cup Final for the first time in eight years after defeating South Korea in the semi-final.
Awaiting them in the final is Japan, who defeated the Aussies in the gold medal game in 2017 in a 74-73 thriller. The Opals will go into the final with plenty of confidence, having already beaten Japan in this year's tournament, earning a 79-67 win in the group stage.
Japan earned their spot in the final after defeating hosts China in the other semi-final, 90-81.
Heading into the final, the Aussies have five players averaging in double-figures, led by Sara Blicavs' 13.8 points per game, while Cayla George leads the Opals with 9.3 rebounds per game — the second highest average in the tournament. Stephanie Reid leads the Asia Cup with 8.3 assists per game, dishing out 33 dimes with just three turnovers in four games played.
Australia is in search of its first-ever gold medal at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup, with their silver in 2017, followed by three-straight bronze medals in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
A gold will also see the Opals directly qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup in Germany. Silver will see them drop into the World Cup Qualifying Tournaments, guaranteed for the top six teams in the Asia Cup.
Can the Aussies take home the gold in China, or will Japan make it a sixth gold medal from the past seven Asia Cups?
The Sporting News has you covered with all the information you need ahead of Australia vs. Japan, including TV information, schedule, and more.
How to watch Australia vs. Japan: TV channels, live streams
- TV channels: —
- Live streams: FIBA YouTube channel
The Final of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup will not be available on free-to-air TV. You can watch the Opals take on Japan on ESPN/Kayo Sports. The Final will also be available to stream on the FIBA YouTube channel.
When is the Australian Opals vs. Japan game?
- Date: Sunday, July 19
- Time: 9:30 p.m. AEST
The Opals will face Japan in the Final on Saturday, July 19, with tip-off set for 9:30 p.m. AEST.
FIBA Women's Asia Cup full schedule: Dates, times for Opals games
The FIBA Women's Asia Cup got underway on Sunday, July 13, and will conclude with the championship game on Sunday, July 20.
The Opals finished top of Group B with three wins over the Philippines, Lebanon, and Japan.
*All times AEST.
| Game | Date | Time | Location |
| Australia vs. Philippines | Sunday 13 July | Aus 115 def. Phi 39 | Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre |
| Australia vs. Lebanon | Monday 14 July | Aus 113 def. Leb 34 | Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre |
| Australia vs. Japan | Tuesday 15 July | Aus 79 def Jpn 67 | Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre |
| Australia vs. South Korea | Saturday 19 July | Aus 86 def, Kor 73 | Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre |
| Australia vs. Japan | Sunday 20 July | 9:30 p.m. | Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre |
Australian Opals FIBA Women's Asia Cup squad
The Opals have named two debutants in their squad for the Asia Cup, with Alex Wilson and Isabelle Bourne set to make their official Opals debuts in Shenzhen.
| Player | Position | Height | Age | Team |
| Zitina Aokuso | F/C | 6-4 | 26 | UC Capitals |
| Chloe Bibby | F | 6-2 | 27 | Golden State Valkyries |
| Sara Blicavs | F | 6-2 | 32 | UC Capitals |
| Isobel Borlase | G | 5-11 | 20 | Bendigo Spirit |
| Isabelle Bourne | F | 6-2 | 24 | Southside Flyers |
| Abbey Ellis | G | 5-6 | 24 | Townsville Fire |
| Alex Fowler | F | 6-0 | 23 | Townsville Fire |
| Cayla George | F/C | 6-4 | 36 | Southside Flyers |
| Steph Reid | G | 5-6 | 28 | Sopron Basket |
| Miela Sowah | G | 5-11 | 25 | Townsville Fire |
| Alex Wilson | G | 5-9 | 31 | Perth Lynx |
| Courtney Woods | G/F | 6-0 | 28 | Townsville Fire |