Malaysia's Suik May Key stretches for the basketball.
Malaysia has defeated Malta 63-59 in a close struggle for seventh place in the Women's Basketball tournament held at the Multi Purpose Venue, Melbourne Park, on day seven of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
Malaysia's Siao Chow scored 19 points while team mate Beng Fong Goh took home some valuable experience. “I learned how to play with the tall girls!” Goh said.
For Malta, Josephine Grima had 22 points and 18 rebounds in an exceptional individual effort. Coach Santino Coppa was visibly impressed with his team.
The battle for fifth place saw Mozambique claim victory over India 70-44. Mozambique’s Rute Muianga had a brilliant game scoring 20 points and received excellent support from teammates Iracema Nduane and Deolinda Gimo.
India appeared to be taken aback by the physical play and struggled to adapt, although India's Geethu Jose played well with 20 points and 10 boards, it wasn't enough.
Coach of the Indian team Abdul Khan was still very proud. “This is the first time we have played outside of India and we will take home a lot of memories,” Coach Khan said.
England and Nigeria will be competing for the bronze medal at 6pm today. Nigeria is currently ranked number 22, but based on the England’s outstanding performance in this tournament it is expected that this will be a very tough match for the Nigerians.
Australia will take on New Zealand in the final after defeating Nigeria and England respectively in the semi finals, with both teams competing for the inaugural Commonwealth Games Women's Basketball gold medal.
Australia is currently ranked number 3 in the world while New Zealand is ranked number 19.
Australia thrashed England 95-43 in the preliminary rounds, however New Zealand only beat England by seven points 74-67 in the semi finals. The results of these early matches show the potential pointing Australia's way.
In Men’s Basketball, South Africa will play India in the 7-8 classification while Scotland plays Barbados in the 5-6 classification later today.
- Games News Service
For more results, visit the Basketball Schedule and Results section of this Website.
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