Team China's hoop heroes end wait for Asia Cup glory

Han Xu, Li Meng star in final to dethrone Japan

After a 12-year wait, the Chinese women's basketball team stood on the highest podium at the FIBA Women's Basketball Asia Cup once again, beating defending champion Japan 73-71 in a thrilling final in Sydney on Sunday.

In a roller-coaster decider, the teams were tied 17-all at the end of the first quarter. Team China only managed nine points in the second period to give fans a major scare.

However, the Chinese aces bounced back after halftime, displaying remarkable resilience as Han Xu and Li Meng made crucial shots in a nail-biting finale to secure the win.