Malaysian cagers earn deserving win over superior India

Fook-Yee Yap

THE Malaysian women's basketball team are the shortest and the lowest-ranked team at the Commonwealth Games. But they can certainly walk tall after giving a steely performance to beat world No. 45 India 85-72 at the Cairns Convention Centre yesterday. Following their 86-44 mauling at the hands of New Zealand on Thursday, world No. 48 Malaysia needed a big win in order to put themselves back on track in Group B. It was the much taller Indian team who took charge early on for a 25-20 first-quarter lead. But the Malaysian women slowly found their rhythm and range from outside as they outscored India to lead 48-37 at half time. India, however, made the most of their physical presence as they slashed the lead to just 59-55 in the third quarter. But Malaysia continued to charge forward and went full steam ahead with a 14-5 run after India coach Zoran Visic committed a technical foul. That was the turning point as Malaysia never looked back to settle for a 13-point win. Fook Yee Yap (174-F-93) torched the Indians with 18 points and she was aided by Magdelene Low who had 14 points. 'I think the day's break made a difference and we played with good intensity today,' said Magdelene. Malaysia now need to beat Jamaica in their last group match today to qualify for the semi-finals.
Courtesy of: thestar.com.my