Sapphires finish pool games on a high

• Meet the Sapphires: All players selected for the U16 Asia Cup‍
• Family produce as Olivia debuts for Australia
• ‍Road to victory: Sapphires schedule confirmed for U16 Asia Cup

The Sapphires' quest for an Asia Cup four-peat has continued with an 80-point win defeat of Chinese Taipei at Arena Seremban in Malaysia.

Key Details

Result: Australia 126 def. Chinese Taipei 46

When: September 24, 2025

Where: Arena Seremban, Malaysia

By the Numbers

Isabel Smith starred with 19 points, nine assists, two rebounds, and one block in 25 minutes with a +/- of +53.

Jemyma Manyok (Australia) had 11 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists in 15 minutes.

Sophie Richardson (Australia) had 17 points, four assists, and one block in 18 minutes played.

Full Box Score

What Happened

Australia strung together a dominant fourth-quarter on their way to a commanding 126–46 win, moving to 3–0 at the FIBA U16 Asia Cup.

The Sapphires controlled the contest from the outset, racing to a 28–11 lead at quarter time and extending their advantage to 59–26 by halftime.The balanced scoring attack was once again a feature, with Isabel Smith leading the way with an efficient 19 points on 80 percent shooting and nine assists.

Sophie Richardson poured in 17 points, knocking down five three-pointers at an 83 percent clip.

Jemyma Manyok stamped her authority inside, finishing with 11 points, 12 rebounds. Marianela Fakalata added 12 points, and Madison Ryan chipped in 11.

Every Sapphire found their way onto the scoresheet as the team shot 67 percent from the field and 47 percent from deep. The defensive effort was just as ruthless, holding Taipei scoreless in the final quarter and forcing 23 turnovers across the game. Australia also owned the glass with a 50–17 rebound advantage, including nine from Lily Mapp off the bench.

Eden Catip added four free throws from four attempts, showcasing the team’s composure across the roster. The Sapphires finished with 37 assists on 50 made field goals, 16 steals and three blocks, underlining their efficiency and collective intensity.

Australia move straight into the semi finals to be played on Saturday.