Heading to the Women’s Semifinals

	1	2	3	4	F
United States	21	20	9	14	64
Greece	9	9	18	10	46

Tokyo, Japan – The United States punched their ticket to the Semifinals with a commanding 64–46 victory over Greece in the women’s quarterfinals. From the opening tip, the Americans established control with their aggressive defense and fast-paced offense, building momentum through consistent scoring and strong rebounding. Rajena Guettler led the way with an impressive 14 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing her versatility on both ends of the court. Captain Cheyenne Talbot added 11 points and 7 rebounds while Alyssa Wells delivered a balanced performance with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. The USA’s bench also made a meaningful impact, contributing 22 points and helping maintain a steady lead throughout the game.

Greece fought with determination after advancing from round-robin play, but struggled to keep pace with the Americans’ physicality and depth. Alexandra Kotsiafti stood out for Greece, scoring a team-high 12 points along with 9 rebounds, while Chrysanthi Chaina and Evangelia Sarakatsani each added 4 points as they attempted to spark their team’s offense. Despite Greece’s resilience and late scoring efforts, the USA’s defensive pressure generated 20 turnovers and limited Greek second-chance opportunities, ultimately proving decisive.

By controlling the paint, winning the rebounding battle, and executing efficiently on both ends, the United States secured a well-earned quarterfinal win and advanced confidently into the Semifinals.

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Poland	11	8	9	16	44
Italy	19	10	11	16	56

Italy advanced to the Semifinals after delivering a disciplined and well-balanced 56–44 victory over Poland in the women’s quarterfinals. The Italians controlled the tempo from the second quarter onward, using patient offense and strong interior defense to gradually build separation. Simona Sorrentino led Italy with a steady 14 points and 7 rebounds, while captain Simona Cascio added 12 points and 7 boards, providing crucial leadership in key stretches. Viola Strazzari contributed 10 points on efficient shooting, and Italy’s defensive presence forced Poland into difficult looks throughout the game.

Poland fought hard, led by Agata Krygowska’s 12 points and Anna Kuzniewska’s 6-point, 5-rebound performance, but struggled with shooting consistency and second-chance opportunities. Despite a competitive start, Poland’s offense stalled in the second half as Italy’s rotations tightened and transition defense improved. Italy’s ability to convert inside the paint, combined with timely rebounds from Simona Sorrentino and Lorenza Spirito, ultimately secured their place among the final four.

With this result, the Semifinal stage is now set. The United States will face Italy on 23 November at 10:30 am in what promises to be a high-energy matchup between two strong defensive teams looking to advance to the gold-medal game.

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Japan	31	26	26	15	98
Australia	13	20	8	12	53

Japan delivered a spectacular and historic performance as they powered past Australia 98–53, securing their first-ever appearance in the Women’s Semifinals at the Summer Deaflympics. From the opening minutes, they set a dominant tone. Their relentless pace, sharp shooting, and disruptive defense overwhelmed Australia, leading to a 45-point victory and one of the most impressive offensive displays of the tournament.

Miharu Kotaka starred for Japan with a game-high 18 points on efficient 6-of-10 shooting, including four made three-pointers that swung momentum firmly in Japan’s favor. Captain Yuzu Wakamatsu anchored the offense with 8 points and an impressive 11 assists, controlling the game with calm leadership. Makoto Kawashima delivered a remarkable double-double off the bench with 14 points and 14 rebounds, giving Japan powerful interior presence. Saya Numaguchi added 10 points and 6 rebounds, while Ayane Fujita and M. Hada chipped in key scoring bursts that kept Japan’s tempo high and their lead growing. In total, Japan showcased incredible depth, with 51 bench points, 57 rebounds, and 39 fast-break points.

Australia made effort to keep pace despite the best efforts of Lucy Christodoulou, who scored 17 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, and Ava Hough, who added 15 points. Japan’s defensive pressure forced 32 Australian turnovers and continually limited clean looks at the basket. Even when Australia found moments of rhythm, Japan’s transition game responded immediately, widening the gap quarter by quarter.

With this milestone victory, Japan celebrates a breakthrough moment in its Deaflympics women’s basketball history. Their commanding performance not only sends them into the semifinals but also announces them as a true contender. Japan now moves forward with confidence, carrying both momentum and pride into the next stage of the tournament.

	1	2	3	4	F
Ukraine	15	22	14	18	69
Lithuania	12	7	10	13	42

Ukraine delivered one of their strongest performances of the tournament, powering past Lithuania 69–42 to secure their place in the Semifinals. Led by an outstanding all-around showing from captain Olena Khoroshykh, who posted 14 points, 15 rebounds, and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, Ukraine dominated the interior and controlled the boards with a commanding 58–42 rebounding advantage. Kseniia Afanasieva added 18 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting, while Olena Ogorodnikova contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds in a strong two-way effort. Ukraine’s defensive activity also set the tone, forcing turnovers, contesting shots, and holding Lithuania to just 20% shooting from the field and 21% from three.

Lithuania worked to generate rhythm offensively, but Ukraine’s pressure never allowed sustained momentum. Ramune Eskertaite led Lithuania with 16 points, while captain Grazina Jocyte battled through a tough shooting night to finish with 5 points and 3 rebounds. Despite moments of resilience, Lithuania struggled to overcome Ukraine’s physicality inside and consistent rebounding control.

With the victory, Ukraine advances to the Semifinals, where they will face Japan on 23 November at 15:30 (3:30 pm), setting up a highly anticipated matchup between two teams that have been surging at the right time.

*All Japan Standard Time*