THE AUSTRALIAN Sapphires completed the Group Stage of the 2025 FIBA Under-16 Women’s Asia Cup in Malaysia in perfect fashion, defeating the Chinese Taipei by 80 points to remain undefeated with a trio of massive wins.

The Sapphires could not have entered Wednesday’s clash in any better form, claiming a pair of wins that had margins north of 75 points in each. The Aussies came into the tournament as the title favourites, and were certainly living up to those claims over the first two days of play, with a win today seeing Australia advance through to the semi finals.

Although the Chinese Taipei fought bravely to remain in the contest, the Sapphires were simply too good, leading from start to finish and cruising home to another massive victory to go unbeaten throughout the first stage of the tournament.

Australian Sapphires (126) def. Chinese Taipei (46)

An 11-0 run in the first frame set the tone early in the piece, with Sophie Richardson and Isabel Smith proving the catalysts for the early dominance. The Aussies led by 17 points at the first change and never looked back, pushing the margin further out as the game rolled on and never giving the opposition a chance to get back in the contest.

It was pure dominance on both ends of the floor, as has been the case throughout the entire tournament for Australia. The Sapphires were their usual efficient selves on the offensive end, shooting 65.7 per cent and sharing the ball around to find the best possible look, a luxury afforded by just how much talent their roster contains.

It was also another display of defensive intensity, which was needed given the Chinese Taipei came into the match averaging 81 points over their first two games. However, the Aussies were relentless in their pressure on the opposition, making every possession difficult for the Chinese Taipei, who were held to just 46 points in their lowest outing of the tournament.

Smith led the way for the Aussies, finishing with 19 points on 8/10 shooting from the field and 3/4 from long range to go with her nine assists in her best outing of the week. She formed a simply unstoppable duo with Richardson, who continued her strong form with 17 points of her own, nailing five three-pointers from six attempts in a mesmerising sharpshooting display.

Madison Ryan was not far behind, dropping 13 points and dishing out six assists in a productive showing, while Laura Seiz (11 points, 5/7 FG, 14 min) and Jemyma Manyok (11 points, 5/6 FG, 12 rebounds) rounded out the double-digit scorers for Australia.

The result means the Sapphires went a perfect three from three during the Group Stage of the tournament, and will now turn their attention to the semi finals having finished atop the standings of Group A as the only unbeaten team. The Aussies’ biggest threat appears to be Japan, currently unbeaten in Group B, setting up a potential blockbuster championship game later in the week.