Denso cruise past Indian Railways

Denso announced their arrival in the FIBA Women’s Basketball League Asia with a total domination of the Indian Railways, 119-35, on Tuesday night at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium.

The Iris needed very little time to find their rhythm, leaping off to a 27-8 lead before widening the gap to 58-18 entering the halftime intermission as the wall they built proved too insurmountable for the home team.

And such a stupendous start was predicated on pin-point accuracy from deep plus a conscious effort on finding the best possible shot – the W League champions hit 10 triples and tallied 21 assists just in the first half.

Half of the 12-woman lineup scored in double figures in the triumph, led by Haruna Kasagi with 23 points – spiked by 5 of the team’s 15 triples- and 5 rebounds as she played a key role in setting the tone for the rout.

Minami Yabu and Mio Shiraishi supplied 16 points each. Senegalese forward Sokhna Sylla delivered 12 points and 7 rebounds. Hanami Shinohara made 11 points while Mai Kawai finished with 10 points and 12 assists.

Denso, all in all, shot an efficient 56.5-percent from the floor, and wound up with 54 rebounds and 33 assists. as they completely had their way against the host team in a battle between WBL Asia newcomers.

“This is the first international game in the history of our club so we tried to play with as much energy as we could,” said Coach Vladimir Vuksanovic, pleased as well with the appearance of Japanese fans in the venue.

The Iris, hoping of course for another solid turnout of fans, will try to sweep their way into the knockout Semi-Finals when they take on the Cheongju KB Stars of Korea on Thursday, October 22, at 19:00 local time.

They could be coming into that game better rested since the WKBL champions will be making their debut tomorrow, Wednesday, against the Railways but the team is still expecting no less than a tough clash.

“We expect to have a good game,” said Vuksanovic when asked about the Stars. “For sure, both teams will be aggressive. And I think the fans can expect unusually high-paced basketball. I’m looking forward to it.”

Blicavs’ hot start propels Sichuan past Cathay Life

Sichuan Yuanda Meile rode the hot hands of Sara Blicavs early toward blasting Cathay Life, 92-70, to open their campaign.

The Australia Opals veteran finished with 27 points, 14 of which she made in the opening period behind a 4-of-5 clip from beyond the arc to lead her crew to a 33-22 lead, setting the tone for the lopsided show.

And it did not take long for the Pandas to break the game wide open, doing so right in the following chapter with a 22-12 barrage as they effectively tamed the Tigers en route to gaining the head start in Group A.

“It was a really good first hit-out. It was nice to play with each other and get used to each other,” said Blicavs. “I think it’s a good sign for the future, that we’re gonna be a pretty good force this year in the WCBA.”

League returnee Chennedy Carter shone as well with 22 points, as she helped SC Yuanda stay very much in control, especially in the second half. The former Al Ula star also had 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.

Seasoned forward Gao Song supplied 11 points and 6 rebounds as all 12 players of the inaugural WBL Asia champions contributed at least 2 points in the victory – a well-spread attack behind 26 assists.

“Today is actually our first game together. And from today, it showed that we still need more time to familiarize with one another. We have several new players so we have to integrate them,” said head coach Yang Yi.

Sichuan will look to secure the top spot in the pool – and sweep their way into the Semi-Finals – with a victory against league newcomers Akari Sparks of the Philippines on Thursday, October 22, at 16:00 local time.

The locals, on the other hand, led Cathay Life in the defeat, with Chu Chu finishing with 16 points alongside 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Liu Hui-Ju was the only other player in double figures with 14 points.

The Tigers actually started well and even took a 14-11 lead behind a Cheng I-Hsiu trifecta.. But it proved to be the last time they’d be ahead.

Xiao Tong scored off a layup and followed it up with a perfect trip to the line, before Song, Tian Yuanyuan, and Blicavs came in to help put together a 10-0 rally for the 21-14 edge with 3:45 left in the first quarter.

And it would be all Pandas since, with the same troika pushing the spread to 33-20 after Song knocked down 1 of her 2 triples of the bout – off a Xiao Tong assist – just before the period came to a close.

With the loss, Cathay Life are in a must-win situation against the Sparks tomorrow, Wednesday, October 21, to stay in contention for a Top 2 spot in the pool, which merits a Semi-Final ticket. Tip-off is set at 16:00 local time.

“We underwent roster changes so we’re still adjusting,” Coach Cheng Hui-Yun said. “Still, we will keep trusting each other and try to get to know each other, and that’s what we’re gonna prepare for tomorrow’s game.”