Quarter-Finals: Kazakhstan, Iran and Malaysia complete Semi-Finals cast

BENGALURU (FIBA U16 Women's Asia Championship 2017) - Kazakhstan, Iran and Malaysia all won in the Division B Quarter-Finals to make it to the Semi-Finals and stay alive for promotion to Division A. 

Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka played a tight game to open the day's hostilities, with the former earning the win, 59-54. The Kazakhs had to rally after falling behind in the first half, outscoring their foes, 24-18, in the last two quarters to prevail. Alexandra Komarova led the way for the Kazakhs with 17 points, while Xeniya Aburashitova added a dozen. Sri Lanka were paced by 15 points from Thisari Hiniduma Kapuge.

The second Quarter-Final saw Iran outclass Maldives, 129-39. The West Asians wasted no time in this one, zooming to a 25-7 lead in the first quarter and never relinquishing the initiative. Aida Golmohammadi shone brightly for the lady Iranians here, putting up 18 points on top of 20 rebounds and 4 steals. She was ably supported by Puonik Arakilians and Maryam Shirazi, who tallied 16 and 15 points respectively. Amra Amir was the lone bright spot for Maldives with 10 points.

Malaysia were the last team to qualify for the Semi-Finals after crushing Nepal, 88-36. The Nepalese kept this one close for one entire quarter, trailing 13-11 after the first ten minutes, but they could not keep up with the Malaysians, who outscored them, 20-2, in the second period. Fu Yik Lyn recorded an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double to spearhead Malaysia's charge, while team captain Pratikshya Magar had 9 points to lead Nepal. Edna Lee and Lim Jing Zhe also impressed for Malaysia with a combined 25 points.

Iran will face Malaysia in the first Semi-Final, while Kazakhstan take on hosts India, who qualified after sweeping Group A.

RESULTS:

Kazakhstan beat Sri Lanka, 71-58

Iran beat Maldives, 129-39

Malaysia beat Nepal, 88-36

FIBA