New Zealand delivered a lopsided 78-40 win over Malaysia, in the 7th-8th place classification match at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division A in Seremban.
After briefly trading baskets in the opening quarter, New Zealand seized control and never looked back, leading all the way and steadily stretching an eight-point first-quarter edge into a commanding 38-point final margin.
The game’s turning point arrived with early in the opening quarter, when Malaysia’s Chi Ern Voo knocked down a three-pointer to tie the score at 11-11, after New Zealand had held an 11-8 lead. That proved to be Malaysia’s last foothold in the contest.
New Zealand responded immediately, moving back in front for good in the first quarter as Madelin Eliadis drove to the rim for a layup and a 13-11 advantage. During that stretch, both teams grabbed 6 rebounds, but New Zealand committed no turnovers while Malaysia gave the ball away once, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Eliadis stole the spotlight for New Zealand, finishing with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 4 steals in just over 18 minutes of action. She shot an efficient 5-of-10 from the field, including 4-of-6 from two and a perfect 2-of-2 from the line. Eliadis provided a steady scoring punch during the decisive stretches, helping New Zealand put the game to bed early.
Lily Ashton anchored the glass with a game-high 12 rebounds to go with 6 points, 1 steal, and 1 block while Willow Jessie Smith added 7 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal and no turnovers. Keija Miringaorangi contributed across the board with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals, and Isabella Gillard chipped in 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.
For Malaysia, Yi Hao, Trixie Teo was the standout, tallying 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block. in 19:21. Teo shot 3-of-4 from the field and scored all 8 of her points in the third quarter, highlighted by two made three-pointers from beyond the arc.
New Zealand’s overwhelming victory was built on relentless defense, balanced scoring, and control of the glass. Malaysia showed flashes early but could not withstand the storm as New Zealand pulled away for a dominant finish in the classification round.
