BENGALURU (India) - Haruna Kasagi provided the stabilizing presence Denso badly needed to withstand Cheongju KB, 80-65, to stay unbeaten heading into the FIBA WBL Asia 2026 Semi-Finals on Thursday night.
The former Japan youth team standout finished with 20 points, including 12 in the payoff period as she almost single-handedly repelled the opposition after the Stars staged a comeback from 18 points down.
She capped off her takeover with a dagger triple off a Mai Kawai assist, pushing their lead to 76-60 with 1:43 remaining which effectively doused cold water to their WKBL counterparts' rally once and for all.
Kasagi shot an excellent 8-for-10 from the floor, including a 3-of-4 clip from deep, and also had 3 rebounds as her efforts ultimately enabled the Iris to clinch the top spot in Group B with a clean 2-0 record.
*This article will be updated.