BANGKOK (Thailand) - Mongolia claim their first victory in a FIBA competition at the senior women's national team level, while Iran and Thailand lock their spots in the Semi-Finals.

History is made for Mongolia

In their first time playing in a FIBA competition at the senior women's national team level, Mongolia get their first win by defeating Sri Lanka 80-41 in the Classification Game for 7th place.

Mongolia have been hungry for a win ever since day 1. While the journey has been a bit rough, they have finally claimed their first win in the Women's Asia Cup 2023 Division B - and will certainly have their eyes set on many more in the future.

Iran continue impressive run, now into Semi-Finals

After going winless in 2021, Iran continue to turn heads as they secure their seat in the Semi-Finals with a 54-41 win over Kazakhstan.

True to the form of how both teams have been playing in Bangkok, it was a physical affair and defensive slugfest between both teams. In the end, that played to the advantage of Iran as they were able to punish Kazakhstan with their defense, forcing 23 turnovers out of their opponents.

Negin Rasoulipour, who was among the players to watch, continue to be a standout performer and led Iran in scoring with 16 points. Faezeh Shahriari was a bit behind with 14 points for Iran and grabbed 7 rebounds.

Iran got their lead early in the first quarter and even though Kazakhstan never allowed the lead to balloon, it was enough for Iran to hang on until the final buzzer.

Thailand emerge from pressure cooker victorious

In another installment of a fierce rivalry between Thailand and Malaysia, it was the hosts of this FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023 Division B who came out on top with an intense 67-58 win.

Malaysia actually led through most of the game, holding onto the lead for nearly 24 of the entire 40 minutes of regulation. It was not until the 6 minute mark of the fourth quarter that Thailand got their first lead since the first quarter on a basket by Kanokwan Prajuapsook.

The lead change came after a spirited rally by the home team including a 7-0 run, fueled by a cheerful crowd behind their bench.

Thailand struggled to hit the bottom of the net from long range once again, connecting on 17.4 percent of their three-pointers. It was their defense, once again, they willed them to a win as they forced Malaysia to 23 turnovers which they converted to 20 points.

Leading the way in scoring was none other than Rattiyakorn Udomsuk who poured in 21 points. Team captain Amphawa Thuamon had another all-around game with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.

For Malaysia, Magdelene Low scored 14 points early as they built up their lead and had 4 three-pointers but cooled down as the game progressed.

Upcoming games

Classification Game 5-6
Kazakhstan vs Malaysia - 12:00 (GMT +7)

Semi-Finals
Jordan vs Iran - 15:00 (GMT +7)
Indonesia vs Thailand - 17:30 (GMT +7)

Daily Highs

Efficiency: 28 - Bolor-Erdene Baatar (MGL)
Points: 24 - Bolor-Erdene Baatar (MGL)
Rebounds: 12 - Ariuntsetseg Bat-Erdene (MGL)
Assists: 9 -Tsatsral Bayarmaa (MGL)
Steals: 6 - Fook Yee Yap (MAS)
Blocks: 3 -Fook Yee Yap (MAS)

Results and Fixtures

Classification 7-8
Mongolia vs Sri Lanka - 80-41

Qualification to Semi-Finals
Iran vs Kazakhstan - 54-41
Thailand vs Malaysia - 67-58

FIBA