FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division B:
Iranian girls beat Thailand to book final spot
Iran progressed to the final showpiece of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division B thanks to a comfortable 78-52 victory over Thailand in Shenzhen, China, on Saturday.
This was a second win against Thailand in the competition for the Iranian girls, following last Wednesday’s 80-62 triumph at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center.
Standing between Iran and promotion to Division A in today’s final showdown is the Chinese Taipei, which came out victorious over Mongolia (92-82) in the other semifinal on Saturday.
Iran displayed strong defensive resolve and timely scoring on Saturday. While Thailand put up a resilient fight, propelled by its sharp-shooting, Iran’s cohesive team play, led by players Negin Rasoulipour and Roxanna Barahman, proved too much to overcome.
Barahman had 21 points – including nine from behind the arc – to lead Iran, with Rasoulipour adding 13.
Iranian point guard Nahideh Asadi also finished in double figures, chipping in 11 points during 13:45 minutes on the court.
Thailand was paced by Rattiyakorn Udomsuk’s 24 points, while Warinthon Summat dropped 12.
Chasing a historic top division promotion, Iranian girls, who were beaten by Indonesia in the 2023 Div. B final, began their campaign in Shenzhen with an 82-32 hammering of the Cook Islands, before Rasoulipour’s 20-point performance, coupled with Mahla Abedi’s efficiency of 19, led Greek coach Eleni Kapogianni’s side to an 88-59 triumph over Mongolia.
Wednesday’s win against Thailand secured a top-spot finish for Iran in Group B of the eight-team tournament.
Meanwhile, The Chinese Taipei – relegated from Div. A in 2023 – reveled in dominant run in Group A, routing Tahiti (122-38), India (83-39), and Kazakhstan (91-47) to advance to the semifinals.