BANGKOK (Thailand) - Lebanon booked a return trip to the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup-Division B Final following a 77--54 ouster of Indonesia in the 2026 competitions' Semi-Finals Saturday at the Nimibutr Stadium.
The young Cedars seized control early although it wasn't until the third canto where they'd pull away wide on the way to ensuring that their redemption tour continues - and their bid to gain promotion stays alive.
It could be recalled that the WABA representatives barged into the Final of the 2024 competitions in Shenzhen, China and were only a win away from reaching Division A, only to get blown out by the Philippines.
But after two years of waiting, they've given themselves an opportunity to finish their story, which they could accomplish against either India or Kazakhstan in the finale set tomorrow, July 19, at 18:00 local time.
"Naturally, we're looking forward to the Final with a lot of confidence, and we're just absolutely gonna do our best," offered head coach Paul Coughter. "Kind of cliche, but that's all I can say within the bounds of humility."
Lebanon leaned on another balanced attack to get the job done, with Gloria Kamar top-scoring in the victory with 18 points, 10 of which she produced in the first quarter alone to lead her team to a 25-15 lead.
Lara Al Nakib finished with 13 points and 8 assists. Joudy El Harake produced 13 points as well alongside 6 rebounds as the tandem presided over their third-quarter charge that put the game away.
Behind the tried and tested combo, the Lebanese poured 26 points in the said period to turn an 8-point halftime lead to a big 64-47 advantage entering the last 10 minutes, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Ayu Krisabella was the lone bright spot with 15 points for Indonesia, who will try to salvage a third-place finish against the losing team between India and Kazakhstan tomorrow as well, prior to the Final.
Meanwhile, Samoa secured 5th place after beating Thailand, 82-73, in the Classification 5-6 earlier. Rykkah Mareta-Manu led the way with 24 points and 9 rebounds while Tyra Lee-Hang added 20.
FIBA