FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup recap: Gems defend title with a perfect run

The Australian Gems once again claimed top honours at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup, eclipsing Japan 83 – 82 in a heart-stopping final in Malaysia.  
 
 It was a tightly contested game that showcased the emerging talent in women’s basketball across both nations.
 
 A late three-pointer from Cheyenne Bobongie gave the Gems a four-point lead with 35 seconds remaining. However, Japan stunned onlookers with back-to-back three-pointers which left Australia trailing with four seconds on the clock.  
 
 Big time players make big time plays. And it was Madison Ryan that stepped up in the moment.
 
 Ryan handled an inbound pass from Olivia Olechnowicz and before sinking a contested shot over a double-team with one second remaining to put the Gems back in front. 

Ryan finished with 17 points and was named to the tournament’s All-Star Five alongside guard Isabel Smith.

Jemyma Manyok deserves a special mention for her performance in the gold medal match with 13 points and five offensive rebounds. 

 
 THE JOURNEY
 
 Australia opened its campaign against the Philippines and dominated, winning by 55 points. Isabel Smith and Olivia Olechnowicz led the way early with eight steals between them, before a late flurry of three-pointers from Sophie Richardson saw her lead all scorers with 18 points, including five three-pointers.
 

The Gems were just as dominant in their second group-stage match, defeating New Zealand by 65 points. Madison Ryan finished with 18 points and five rebounds, while Eliza Shanahan was lethal from the field, shooting 75% and scoring 16 points. The Gems also cruised through their final group-stage match, securing direct qualification for the semi-finals with a 36-point victory over Korea. Australia started strongly, outscoring Korea 34-9 in the opening quarter, led by Olechnowicz and Ryan, who also recorded 10 rebounds.
 

The Gems faced China in the semi-final, a rematch of the gold medal games from the previous two editions of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup. Australia raced to a 31-9 lead by quarter-time before China fought back in the second and third quarters. The Gems rallied in the fourth, with their commanding first-quarter advantage proving crucial in a 19-point victory. Isabel Smith was the standout performer, recording 22 points, five rebounds and two assists.
 
THE LEADERS

The Gems were led throughout the tournament by Madison Ryan and Isabel Smith. Ryan stepped up in those crucial last seconds against Japan but headlined the Gems statistical leaders finishing her tournament with 17 points, 1.6 assists, 9.4 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 1.6 steals a game.

Smith had her best game against China in the semi-finals scoring 22 points with five rebounds and two assists but throughout the tournament was a consistent scorer and lead the Gems for assists and steals. She finished her tournament with averages of 1.8 points, 2.8 assists and 2.2 steals a game.

Point Leaders:

1) Madison Ryan: 17 PPG

2) Isabel Smith: 16.8 PPG

3) Olivia Olechnowicz: 12.8 PPG

4) Jemyma Manyok: 8.6 PPG

5) Eliza Shanahan: 8.3 PPG

Assist Leaders:

1) Isabel Smith: 2.8 APG

1) Olivia Olechnowicz: 2.8 APG

1) Cheyenne Bobongie: 2.8 APG

4) Aspen Crase: 1.8 APG

5) Madison Ryan: 1.6 APG

Rebound Leaders:

1) Madison Ryan: 9.4 RPG

1) Jemyma Manyok: 9.4 RPG

3) Lilly Mapp: 6.0 RPG

4) Matilda Trout: 5.8 RPG

5) Aspen Crase: 3.5 RPG

Block Leaders:

1) Jemyma Manyok 1.4 BLKPG

2) Madison Ryan: 1.0 BLKPG

3) Olivia Olechnowicz: 0.4 BLKPG

3) Cheynne Bobongie: 0.4 BLKPG

5) Aspen Crase: 0.3 BLKPG

Steal Leaders:

1) Isabel Smith: 2.2 STLPG

2) Olivia Olechnowicz: 2.0 STLPG

3) Madison Ryan: 1.6 STLPG

4) Matilda Trout: 1.2 STLPG

4) Cheynne Bobongie: 1.2 STLPG

WHAT’S NEXT

The Gems triumph at the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup secured their qualification.

The stakes and competition will escalate for this group with the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup set for China next year from 17 – 25 July.