SABA U18 Men: India beat Maldives 117-44
With two straight wins, India is cruising in the South Asian Basketball Association (SABA) Qualifiers 2024 underway in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Colombo, July 11 2024: In a virtual repeat of yesterday’s win over Sri Lanka, India made short work of Maldives’ challenge, winning 117-44 in the South Asian Basketball Association (SABA) Qualifiers 2024 underway at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.
6ft 7’’ Centre Mohammad Ishan continued his dominating run, with a second straight double double. India always enjoys a superior size advantage at the SABA level, and against the much shorter Maldives - was able to fully control the paint on both ends of the floor.
Maldives was unable to break down the Indian defence and was forced to launch rushed three pointers, finishing with an unexceptional 11/29 (28%) 3PT shooting.
Not only was India able to match Maldives’ 11 makes from the perimeter, but also enjoyed a 68-6 points differential inside the restricted area, besides a 37-11 points from turnover advantage.
India Coach JP Singh was also able to get significant time on the floor for the bench players, who responded with a sizeable 53 points. Overall, four Indians scored in double digits.
India next faces Bangladesh on July 12 at 4pm, and another win will guarantee its position as pool toppers heading into the knockout rounds.
India (Mohammad Ishan 24 pts, 10 reb; Sahibjit Singh Bhullar 13 pts, 11 reb; Lavish 14 pts; Nitesh Kumar 14 pts) bt Maldives (Rameez Aldan Ike 13 pts) 117-44 [30-11, 32-12, 26-8, 29-13]
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