India edge past Lebanon in a thriller 79-69

Hosts India took on Lebanon in their Division B semi-final in the last game of the day. India has had an untroubled run in Division B thus far, entering the game unconquered. Lebanon's only loss was against an impressive Kazakhstan side in the league stages.

In the first quarter, Lebanon was the more aggressive team. Despite none of their players touching 6 feet, Lebanon outrebounded India and created 6 second-chance points. Their shooting was on point as well, with guards Rebecca Akl and Lama Moukaddem combining for 3 triples, including a buzzer-beating three to end the first quarter. For India, veteran point guard Anitha Paul Durai connected on both her shots and Shireen Limaye found her way to the basket, for 5 points each.

Lebanon held a 4-point lead entering the second quarter, leading 20 to 16. In the second, Lebanon continued their good shooting and was also forceful on drives to the basket. For India, the scoring came from multiple players. Raspreet Sidhu found her touch, while IMG Academy graduates Barkha Sonkar and Kavita Akula contributed with a triple each. India entered halftime down by 5 (33 to 38).

The third quarter was an up-and-down affair with both teams finding the bottom of the bucket at regular intervals. Veteran guards Paul Durai and Raspreet continued to fire, knocking down shots with efficiency. Forward Jeena Skaria got her mid-range game going creating for her teammates from the post, while centre Rajapriyadarshini contributed with a couple of buckets in the paint. For Lebanon, the 3-point barrage continued from Lama Moukaddem and Rebecca Akl. Paul Durai hit a buzzer-beating triple to end the third, ensuring that the Lebanon lead remained at 2 points (58-56).

In the final period, both teams played good defense in the first five minutes. Lebanon continued to maintain a slim lead, until India forward Jeena Skaria caught fire, hitting three straight shots and knocking down a technical freethrow, putting India ahead by 6 points. India never looked back, holding off Lebanon and maintaining their lead in the final minutes. Late clutch freethrows from Jeena and Raspreet sealed the deal, giving India a memorable 79-69victory. They now advance to the Division B final where they will face Kazakhstan.

India (Jeena Skaria 20, Raspreet Sidhu 17, Anitha Paul Durai 13) bt Lebanon (Rebecca Akl 20, Lama Moukaddem 16, El Charif Chirine 15) 79-69 [16-20, 17-18, 23-20, 11-23]