The Philippines and Samoa dominate on day one of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B with Iran also on the winners list.
The Philippines make opening statement with massive win
Out for revenge, the women from the Philippines have a point to prove in Division B as they started their 2024 campaign with a 123-point thrashing of the Maldives with the entire team stepping up both ends of the court.
“We played together as a team and our chemistry really shone through,” Filipino Jolzyne Myranda Impreso said. “We ran the ball really well and our shots just fell.”
In her first campaign with the Philippines, Impreso, more than impressed with 18 points and five rebounds in a confidence inducing display. “It was a dream of mine to represent the Philippines, and since I couldn’t do it for 3x3, I really wanted to achieve it in this format, I play with a lot of puso, which is heart, and I love the game of basketball.”
“We most looking forward to playing Samoa to get our get back against those girls,” Impreso added. But they will have to wait until later in the week if that game is to transpire.
Iran Aspires for Division A Promotion
In a tight, and at times physical encounter, Iran held off a fast-finishing Hong Kong China to win their first match of the tournament 65-52.
Iranian Captain, Mahsa Karani was prolific shooting at over 50 percent across the floor to finish with a double-double 25-10 crediting her shooting accuracy to visualisation. “From last night through until today I have been imaging the game and I tried to keep my focus all the way through,” Karani said.
“My team supported me and while Hong Kong China played very well, stayed focused and played together with lots of hard work and we hope to get stronger throughout the tournament, so we can win and be promoted,” Karani finished.
Foa’i-Auimatagi Flexes for Samoa
Samoa took a hot minute to find their feet early in game one of the day against Kyrgystan, but once they settled in, Kira-May Filemu, Tereise Sufia Reupena and Lea-Bella Foa’i-Auimatagi led from the front, combining 68 points between them in their 84-42 victory over Kyrgyzstan.
“Honestly, we had so much fun today,” Foa’i-Auimatagi said. “We got to learn how to play together as a team, at training we learnt all the plays but now we have had a chance to play them, and we are just ready for the next game.”
Filemu finished with a double-double while the small, but mighty Peata Manumaleuga finished with 15 points and 7 assists. “Kira-May (Filemu) held us together, she was talking to us, she’s a leader and we love her, Peata is also a great leader, she brings the ball down and controls the pace,” Foa’i-Auimatagi summarized.
Elelina Mazikina was inspirational in defeat for Kyrgyzstan sinking six 3-pointers.
Syria failed to appear to its game against Lebanon, resulting in a 20-0 win for Lebanon by forfeit.
Check here for upcoming games tomorrow!