Indonesia, Jordan through to Semis; Malaysia, Thailand win

BANGKOK (Thailand) - Indonesia and Jordan are the first teams to qualify for the Semi-Finals after claiming their third straight wins. Malaysia and Thailand get wins to end the Group Phase in Bangkok.

Undefeated Indonesia overcome Iran with big fourth quarter

Indonesia and Iran were neck-and-neck through the first three quarters of the game, but when it came down to the final 10 minutes of the competition - Timnas Basket Putri fired all cylinders and propelled their way to a 65-56 win.

 

The momentum seemed to be in the favor of Iran towards the end of the third quarter as they went on an 8-0 run that turned a 4-point deficit into a 4-point lead going into the fourth quarter.

That fourth quarter quickly turned into a nightmare for Iran as they went scoreless for over 5 minutes, allowing Indonesia to go on a 15-0 run that ultimately decided the outcome of the game. Kim Pierre-Louis scored 8 of her tournament-high 26 points during that run, while also grabbing 15 rebounds. Indonesia's star also added 5 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks for good measure in dominating fashion.

Before going cold in the final quarter, Iran received a productive performance from Negin Rasoulipour who ended the game with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assist, and 3 steals.

Aside from it being their third straight win for Indonesia in Bangkok, it was also a victory that clinched them a direct ticket to the Semi-Finals on 18 August as the top team in Group A.

Iran are at second place in the group and will play in the Qualification to the Semi-Finals round on 17 August where they will face the third place team from Group B.

Malaysia get first win in Bangkok

Malaysia shifted gears early in the game and never looked back in an 85-68 win over Mongolia.

 

Mongolia led 18-15 with less than 2 minutes to go in the first quarter, but quickly went downhill from there. Malaysia went on a 19-0 run to blow the gap wide open and were able to maintain a double-digit margin to the final buzzer.

Fook Yee Yap, one of the tournament's top scorers, finally got the win to accompany yet another high-scoring game. She had 20 points to lead all players in the victory. Malaysia also got a promising performance from 22-year-old Suet Ying Foo who had 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals.

Mongolia had a strong start and rallied well late in the game, but never recovered from being on the wrong end of a massive run. Ariuntsetseg Bat-Erdene was the bright spot on the team with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals.

Jordan redemption tour continues with third straight win and Semis berth

Jordan confirm their status as a contender by winning a third straight game, 74-65, against Kazakhstan.

Both teams were knotted through the entire first half with the lead changing hands 12 times during that time. It wasn't until a two-minute burst in the third quarter when Jordan went on a 9-0 run that gave Jordan the advantage through to the end of the game.

It was another masterclass by Aisha Sheppard who scored 38 points on 6 three-pointers while also adding 8 assists. The total amounts for most in a Women's Asia Cup game by a player since 2007, regardless of division.

 

Marya Al Hinn also provided effective support for her teammate with 17 points and 9 rebounds.

Tamara Yagodkina had her best game far of the tournament in Bangkok with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists for Kazakhstan, but it was not enough to offset the run by Jordan.

With a 3-0 record, Jordan clinch the top spot in Group B and directly qualify for the Semi-Finals.

Thailand first to score reach 100 points in big win to end Group Phase

In the last game of the Group Phase, Thailand defeat Sri Lanka by becoming the first team to top the 100-point plateau, 101-36.

The hosts left no room for upset, started the game with a 14-0 run and continued to build up the lead to as big as 65 at the final buzzer.

All 11 players that saw the court for Thailand got on the scoreboard, with five reaching double-digits. Center Phanwasa Boonjun led the team with 16 and also recorded 11 rebounds for her first double-double.

Daily Highs

Efficiency: 37 -Aisha Sheppard (JOR)
Points: 38 - Aisha Sheppard (JOR)
Rebounds: 15 -Kim Pierre-Louis (INA)
Assists: 9 - Wei Yin Saw (MAS)
Steals: 4 - Multiple players
Blocks: 2 - Multiple players

Results and Fixtures

Group A
Indonesia vs Iran - 65-56
Malaysia vs Mongolia - 85-68

Group B
Kazakhstan vs Jordan - 74-65
Thailand vs Sri Lanka - 101-36

FIBA