Mongolia's smashing return, Philippines' conquest of SEA rivals highlight Division B opener

BENGALURU (India) - Masterful performances proved to be the theme of the Division B's opening festivities in the FIBA U18 Women's Asian Championship 2022, Monday at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium.

Save for Jordan's four-point escape from Malaysia, the troika of Mongolia, the Philippines, and Samoa all registered big double-digit wins as the victors began their bid of being promoted to the topflight division on the right foot.

RESULTS
Mongolia 68-37 Hong Kong
Philippines 65-50 Thailand
Jordan 40-36 Malaysia
Samoa 108-36 Maldives

DAILY RECAP
Mongolia marked their FIBA U18 return with a smashing 68-37 win over Hong Kong to raise the curtains of the week-long competition.

Bolir Erdene Battsooj led the way with 21 points, while Namuundari Namkhainyambuu made 16 markers as the duo bannered their side's 22-point showing in the second quarter to seize control of the game for good.

Nyamjav Nandinkhusel produced 10 points, 18 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks as she sparked a 12-0 run in the opening frame as an apt response after allowing their foes to start things off with five straight points.

None from Hong Kong scored in double figures in the loss, with Wing Yiu Kong already their leading performer with 9 points alongside 17 rebounds.

The Philippines, meanwhile, made it a triumphant opener as well following their 65-50 victory over Thailand in a battle of Southeast Asian rivals.

Kate Colyn Bobadilla top-billed with 22 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 steals, while Louna Ozar missed out on a double-double with 8 points and 11 rebounds as Gilas Women pulled away in the fourth quarter.

Camille Nolasco kick-started the rally, triggering a 10-2 run to turn a narrow two-point lead to a 53-43 lead. It was all the Filipina cagers from there as they went on to lead by as many as 17 points with 1:12 left to play.

Laksamee Hewchaiyaphum was the lone double-digit scorer for Thailand as she finished with 10 points, together with 7 rebounds.

The day's third game saw Jordan sneak past Malaysia in an extremely low-scoring affair, 40-36, to share Group A leadership with Mongolia.

Phoena Dadson had 12 points, including five straight to open the fourth quarter that put her side ahead for good after a nip-and-tuck affair. Hind Jumah only had 4 points but provided ample support with her 13 rebounds.

The Malaysians only had Elaine Chong Hui Lin as their double-digit scorer with 12 points, alongside 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a block.

Ultimately, Samoa coasted to an easy 108-36 victory over Maldives in Group B play to conclude the tournament's opening day.

Kira-May Filemu powered her side with 24 points and 15 rebounds, along with 3 assists and 2 steals in nearly 30 minutes as they hardly broke a sweat on the way to joining the Philippines atop the group standings.

Malia Jae Ruud registered her own double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds for Samoa, who opened the game with 18 straight points.

TOP PERFORMERS
Kira-May Filemu (SAM) 30 EFF 24 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
Nyamjav Nandinkhusel (MGL) 29 EFF 10 points, 18 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks
Malia Jae Ruud (SAM) 23 EFF 16 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
Loreighelle Joseph (SAM) 20 EFF 6 points, 15 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks
Namuundari Namkhainyambuu (MGL) 18 EFF 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Bolor Erdene Battsooj (MGL) 15 EFF 21 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals
Kate Colyn Bobadilla (PHI) 15 EFF 22 points, 2 rebounds, 4 steals

FIBA