Players of China celebrate winning the women's basketball final against Japan at the Hangzhou Asian Games on Oct. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

In the highly anticipated women's basketball final, China successfully defended its title in the women's basketball with a 74-72 victory over arch-rival Japan.

China led from the beginning but was tied by Japan at 72-72 with only 13 seconds remaining on the clock. Then, Wang Siyu stood out with a layup to seal the win for the hosts.

Wang Siyu (C) of China in action during the women's basketball final. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

"We had a very firm belief before the game. We also made a lot of preparations for difficulties. Whether it was a tie, trailing, or leading, we insisted on doing our best," said Chinese star player Li Meng.

China's women's basketball team, who finished the runner-up at the FIBA Women's World Cup last year, has won the Asian Games title for the seventh consecutive time.

The bronze went to South Korea, who secured a 93-63 victory over DPR Korea earlier.