Indonesia thrash Thailand (Photo FIBA)
India and Indonesia are headed for a crucial bout ahead after sustaining their winning ways in FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B action last night at the Nimibutr Stadium.
India opened Group A play with a masterful 99-17 conquest of newcomers Oman before Indonesia scored another rout themselves following a 93-42 victory over hosts Thailand to hike their records to 2-0.
And this should make things all the more interesting, as a direct ticket to the Semi-Finals will be disputed later today, by the unbeaten teams when they lock horns.
It’s the same situation over at Group B, with Lebanon and Kazakhstan – both of which are carrying identical 2-0 cards as well – scheduled to battle it out for an outright berth to the Final Four.
Ten players scored at least four points for Indonesia in the all-Southeast Asian battle that concluded the gameday, with Praisey Blessed their top-scorer with 20 points alongside 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
Blessed was key in sparking the Indonesians’ hot start into the match, which turned into a 24-7 lead at the end of the opening period, effectively setting the tone for the lopsided affair all throughout the bout.
Fiorenza Celesta made 13 points and 5 rebounds. Mabekou Talla Valerie fell just a rebound shy of a double-double with 12 & 9 to her tally, whileJoanne Giovanni and Chloe Cung each came through with 11 points.
Team Indonesia, which features a few players that competed in the FIBA U16 Women’s Asia Cup 2025-Division B in Malaysia, dished out 25 assists in the triumph, and also dominated the rebounding battle, 58-32.
Rattika Tojaruen and Sarah Tuukkanen had 11 apiece to serve as the only bright spots for Thailand in the loss, which is already their second in as many games although they still have a chance to reach the Final Phase.
That is if they take care of business against Oman in the Group Phase’ last game.
