THE AUSTRALIAN Sapphires have claimed a fourth consecutive gold medal at the FIBA Asia Cup, winning the 2025 tournament in Malaysia over the weekend by defeating New Zealand by 36 points in the decider.

The Sapphires had been far and away the most dominant team throughout the tournament, winning all of their group stage matches by 75 points or more and cruising through their semi-final clash against the People’s Republic of China with a 28-point win, setting up the last hurdle before becoming the only team in tournament history to win four in a row.

In their path was New Zealand, with Australia’s Tasman Sea neighbours making the big dance as well, and setting up a close-proximity decider between two old foes. Though it would take the former’s absolute best to knock off the title heavyweight.

The Sapphires ultimately took control of the match in the first half and were able to cruise home to a comfortable victory at the Karisma Arena on Sunday, emerging big winners and create history with the first four-peat at the tournament.

Australian Sapphires (86) def. New Zealand (50)

Although it was a scrappy contest in the opening minutes, the Sapphires managed to take control as the first quarter rolled on, stretching the margin out towards double-digits and head into the first change with a nine-point buffer, although the opposition was hanging around.

Eight straight points from Laura Seiz in the second quarter helped blow the game open, as a 12-0 lead from the Aussies saw the gold medal favourites storm away with 12 unanswered points in a defining patch of play. At half time, the Sapphires led by 21 points in an emphatic display prior to the main change that showed just how dominant the Aussies can be.

From there, the Aussies remained completely in control, never allowing New Zealand enough scoring opportunities to remain in the game and cruising home to a comfortable victory to cap off a dominant tournament in deserving fashion.

Madison Ryan led the way for the Aussies with 15 points on 7/15 shooting to go with her five rebounds, five steals and four assists to round out a solid tournament from the Sandringham Sabres star. Also impressing in the win were Matilda Trout and Marianela Fakalata, both of whom dropped 14 points while Seiz ended the match with 11 points and three triples.

The win makes the Australian Sapphires the most winning team in tournament history, and they will now turn their attention to the 2026 World Cup, where they will enter as one of the most dangerous teams in it.