Sri Lanka`s road to Division I in Asian Championships started with a humiliating loss against Uzbekistan in their first match in the 27th showdown of the competition held in Bengaluru, India.
Previous Games
Uzbekistan lost to India 76-92
Sri Lanka`s first game in the tournament.
Match Report
Sri Lanka won the jump-ball but failed to convert it into points as Jayalia Kumari missed her first jumper. The ball was rebounded by the Uzbeks and converted into points drawing first blood, Konev swishing the nets from outside the arc. Sri Lanka went on to score ten points for the quarter while the opposition replied with twenty-six points. Sri Lanka attempted a couple of three-pointers from outside the arc but both attempts feel short. From the shots attempted inside the perimeter, five attempts ticked the scoreboard while the others were rejected by the rim.
First Quarter – Sri Lanka – 10 Uzbekistan – 26
Uzbeks stepping into the court with a solid lead went on to dominate the second quarter adding another twenty- seven points while the Lankans only managed another ten. Erandi Gallagae opted for the first shot in the quarter which was rejected. It was rebounded by Niroshini Paiva but the second attempt fell just outside the ring. Sulochana Iddamalgoda`s bad pass which was intercepted by Koneva was converted into three points bringing first points for the Uzbeks. It was Imesha Thathsarani who scored first for the local lasses converting one out of two shots at the charity strike. In the second quarter Sri Lanka went on to attempt eight three pointers which produced the same result as the first quarter.
Half Time: Sri Lanka – 20 Uzbekistan – 53
Sri Lanka had a lot of work to do after the ten – minute break, as their offensive rhythm was nowhere to be found. Sri Lanka did find their way back in the game as they only leaked thirteen points and managed to pile up a dozen. It was Niroshini Paiva who got the party started with a three-pointer. The opponents led the game 23-53. Out of the five attempts from outside the arc, Sri Lanka managed to score a couple of them.
Third Quarter – Sri Lanka – 32 Uzbekistan – 69
Coming into the final quarter Sri Lanka had to make sure that they did not leak a single point and kept ticking the scoreboard if they wished to win the game. Unfortunately, Sri Lanka only managed to add seven points and leaked another dozen to Uzbeks. Out of the five attempts from the arc only one three-pointer was converted into points.
The rebound cards were topped by Uzbekistan as they had a total of 70 rebounds at the end of play while Sri Lanka only had 34.
It was Kumaraine Silva who top scored for Sri Lanka will 13 points, 09 rebounds. For Uzbekistan, Natalya Koneva, scored 19 points, grabbed 07 rebounds and dished out 03 assists.
Full Time: Sri Lanka – 39 Uzbekistan – 78
Up-coming Fixtures
Sri Lanka v India – 25th July – 8.00 am (Sri Lankan Time).
