MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion Japan started its title defense with a bang, walloping India by 90 points, 136-46, in the 2021 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup yesterday at the Prince Hamza Hall in Amman, Jordan.
The Japanese zoomed to a 41-14 lead in the first quarter and never looked back en route to a whopping 90-point victory and a 1-0 slate in Group A that also includes South Korea and New Zealand.
All players barged into scoring for the world No. 8 Japan led by Kiho Miyashita with 27 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, Gilas Pilipinas was to play world No. 7 China in Group B opener late last night with a mission of springing a massive upset in its return to the international after a long hiatus due to the pandemic.
US NCAA standout Ella Fajardo with veterans Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos banner the campaign of 51st-ranked Gilas under the guidance of coach and program director Pat Aquino.
World No. 3 Australia and No. 34 Chinese Taipei were also in action last night in the event that serves as qualifier for the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup.