Deaflympics Men’s and Women’s Semifinals Recap and the Road to the Finals

	1	2	3	4	F
Ukraine	25	16	12	7	60
Greece	11	14	9	9	43

Tokyo, Japan – Ukraine delivered a strong semifinal performance, controlling the game from start to finish with balanced scoring and impressive team rebounding. Ukraine built an early lead and never lost momentum, reaching their largest advantage at 20 points. Their offense was powered by Vitalii Bykov’s 15 points and steady finishing at the rim, while Ivan Dudar added 11 points and 6 assists, keeping the ball moving and creating open looks. Yaroslav Stryzhak also contributed efficiently with 10 points and 8 rebounds, giving Ukraine a solid interior presence.

The Ukrainian bench played a meaningful role as well, adding 20 points and providing much-needed energy throughout the game. Oleksandr Levanovych made a perfect impact off the bench with 8 points on flawless shooting, while Pavlo Bondarenko and Oleksandr Fomenko helped dominate the rebounding battle. Ukraine’s 57 total rebounds, including 17 on the offensive glass, allowed them to extend possessions and wear down the Greek defense.

Greece struggled offensively from the opening quarter, shooting just 20% from the field and only 11% from three-point range. Despite their shooting difficulties, standout efforts came from Panagiotis Vaiopoulos with 14 points off the bench and Rafail Petalas with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Ioannis Vavatsikos showed resilience at the free-throw line, scoring 8 points despite not converting a field goal. However, the combination of low shooting percentages and difficulty generating second-chance points made it tough for Greece to keep pace.

Ukraine’s defensive consistency and rebounding dominance ultimately secured the victory, sending them confidently into the Deaflympics final. Greece now moves on to the bronze-medal game, looking to regroup and recover their offensive rhythm.

	1	2	3	4	F
United States	20	20	21	15	76
Israel	23	16	18	11	68

The United States advanced to the Gold Medal Game after a strong all-around team performance, powered by M. Hays-Lizarraga’s dominant 24-point, 18-rebound showing. USA controlled the pace early, using aggressive defense to create scoring runs and maintain a slim but steady advantage. Their presence inside the paint, where they scored 38 points, and their 19 second-chance points from offensive rebounds played a major role in the victory.

Israel fought hard and kept the game competitive behind the outstanding play of Shay Guetta, who posted 26 points and 7 rebounds. Yuval Vernik added 17 points, while Asaf Samuel contributed across the board with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Despite their efficient free-throw shooting and balanced rebounding, turnovers hurt Israel at crucial moments, and the USA capitalized by scoring 22 points from Israeli mistakes.

USA’s offense was well balanced, with Noah Valencia adding 18 points, including five three-pointers, while Andy Cruz contributed 13 points and attacked the rim effectively. Their scoring helped open the floor and gave the American side steady momentum. The American bench also provided valuable support, contributing 16 points, and the team’s overall rebounding strength—finishing with 46 total boards—kept Israel under pressure throughout the match.

With this win, the United States moves on to compete for the gold, while Israel will play for the bronze.

25 November – Men’s Bronze Medal Game: Greece vs Israel at 12:30, and the Men’s Gold Medal Game: Ukraine vs USA at 19:00.

	1	2	3	4	F
United States	19	27	16	21	80
Italy	8	15	15	14	52

The United States delivered a commanding performance against Italy, winning with balanced scoring, physical defense, and dominant rebounding. Rajena Guettler led the way with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and excellent efficiency around the rim, while Cassidy Perry contributed 10 points and 9 rebounds in a highly productive outing. USA’s pressure created consistent momentum, and their ability to finish inside resulted in 38 points in the paint.

Italy relied heavily on the outstanding play of Giulia Sautariello, who scored 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting and attacked the basket fearlessly. Simona Sorrentino, who contributed 12 points and made key plays in crucial moments. Despite their performances, the Italian team struggled from three-point range and could not match the depth and intensity of the American squad, finishing with only 46% from the free-throw line and limited bench scoring.

The depth of the American bench made a major impact, contributing 29 points and maintaining a strong tempo throughout the match. Sunita Schmidjorg led the second unit with an energetic 13-point performance, hitting key shots and giving the team a lift on both ends of the floor. Claire Ruiz-Tucker added 9 points and battled effectively around the basket, while the team’s 56 total rebounds allowed the United States to control the pace and prevent Italy from gaining momentum.

With this win, the United States moves on to the gold medal match, while Italy will look to prepare for the bronze medal game.

	1	2	3	4	F
Japan	13	13	18	18	62
Ukraine	19	2	15	21	57

Japan emerged victorious over Ukraine in a tightly contested women’s semifinal, claiming a 62-57 win to advance to the gold medal match. Marina Hada led the charge with 16 points, while Miharu Kotaka added 15, both showing strong scoring efficiency and leadership on the court. Captain Yuzu Wakamatsu orchestrated Japan’s offense, contributing 10 points and an impressive 11 assists, helping to keep the team in control during key moments.

Despite Ukraine’s efforts, including a standout 27-point performance from Olena Khoroshykh and 11 rebounds from Olena Ogorodnikova, they fell short as Japan’s balanced attack and timely shooting proved decisive. Japan also capitalized on second-chance opportunities and fast breaks, scoring 19 points in transition, which helped offset Ukraine’s pressure in the paint.

Rebounding was a battle, with Japan pulling down 40 boards compared to Ukraine’s 53, but Japan’s efficiency from the field and ability to convert critical possessions ultimately made the difference. Japan’s defense held firm in the closing minutes, forcing turnovers and limiting Ukraine’s scoring runs.

This thrilling win sends Japan to the gold medal match, where they will face USA. Ukraine will now compete for the bronze medal against Italy. The women’s medal games are scheduled as follows: Bronze Medal: Italy vs Ukraine at10:00 and Gold Medal: USA vs Japan at 15:00 on 25 November.

All Japan Standard Time