Malaysia earn promotion after ruling Division B; Philippines finish third

BENGALURU (India) - Malaysia completed an unlikely run to the top of the FIBA U18 Women's Asian Championship 2022 Division B after downing Mongolia in the Final, 64-53, Sunday at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium.

The cagers from Southeast Asia displayed maturity beyond their years in the second half to foil the opposition's bid of sweeping the tournament, in the process earning a return trip to Division A after being relegated in 2018.

Elaine Chong led Malaysia with 16 points, alongside 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals. Emily Tan made 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 dimes, while Yun Jia Huey chipped in 10 markers.

Malaysia was actually in control and even led by 11 points in the first half, but saw themselves falling behind come the third quarter.

Xiao Qi Teh, though, buried a big three-pointer to put them ahead once more, 43-42, and Chong took it from there as she scored four straight to give them a five-point cushion heading into the final quarter.

Malaysia were in the driver's seat since, with Zi Jie Er nailing a jumper off a Sammi Tan find to restore order, 57-47, with 4:19 left to play.

Nyamjav Nandinkhusel led Mongolia with 18 points and 16 rebounds in the loss. Khongorzul Altanzul and Bolor Erdene Battsooj backed her up with 8 points apiece, with the former adding a game-high 19 rebounds.

Meanwhile, the Philippines settled for a third-place finish after venting their frustrations on familiar foes Samoa, 84-68, earlier in the day.

Sumayah

Sugapong led the way with 27 points, including 11 in the third quarter that saw Gilas Youth score 20 unanswered points for the 53-45 lead on the way to completing the comeback after being down by 14 early.

A national team first-timer, Sugapong also collected 6 rebounds and 9 of the team's 29 steals as the Filipina cagers made sure to end their campaign triumphantly after that heartbreaking loss to Malaysia in the Semi-Finals.

Louna Ozar produced 15 points, 6 boards, and 4 steals. Kristan Geyl Yumul made 14 points, Liane Ashley Loon had 11, while Kate Colyn Bobadilla chimed in 10 markers as five players finished in double figures in the win.

The Samoans were led by Malia Jae Ruud, who carried much of the load on offense as she finished with 30 points alongside 13 rebounds in the loss.

Kira-May Filemu tallied her own double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds with 5 dimes, as Leiana-Nila Talase Leiataatimu added 10 points.

FIBA