SHENZHEN (China) – The FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 Division B closed group play with intense battles on Wednesday at the Shenzhen Sports Center as crucial wins set the tone and finalized the teams qualifying to the next round.
India rebound with convincing win over Tahiti
The day’s action tipped off with India shrugging off their Day 2 loss to Chinese Taipei to deliver an emphatic 78-55 victory over winless Tahiti. It was a close game in the first few minutes, but once India's transition game clicked, they started pulling away. Coach Baskar Sappaniambalam's squad forced turnovers and dictated the tempo throughout much of the encounter. This pivotal win keeps India’s promotion ambitions alive and breathes new life into their Division B campaign, while Tahiti are officially ousted from contention.
Sreekala Rani and Sathya Krishnamurthi scored 15 and 11 points respectively to lead India, while Moina Michelle Tuieinui-Le Beherec had 15 points for Tahiti.
Iran defeat Thailand to sweep Group B
Next up, Iran reinforced their growing reputation as Division B heavyweights after a hardfought 80-62 triumph against a resilient Thailand squad. Iran booked their third straight win as Mahla Abedi dominated around the basket. The Thais fought hard, led by Rattiyakorn Udomsuk and Rujiwan Bunsinprom, but Iran’s rebounding and defense ultimately helped them pull them away in the fourth quarter. The win cements Iran’s top spot in Group B, setting the stage for their advancing to the Semi-Finals.
Negin Rasoulipour Khameneh had 20 points to lead Iran, which also got a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double from Abedi. Thailand were led by Udomsuk's 18 points.
Mongolia bounce back with solid win against Cook Islands
Rounding out the day, Mongolia responded to Tuesday’s setback with a confident 82-55 victory over a struggling Cook Islands team. Mongolia controlled the pace with tenacious defense and key contributions from Ariuntsetseg Bat-Erdene and Khulan Onolbaatar, who combined for a steady offensive output. This result ensures Mongolia finish in second place in Group B and sends Cook Islands into the 7th-8th place classification game.
Mongolia were carried by Bat-Erdene's 25 points and Onolbaatar's 18 points, while Ajiah Pepe had 22 points for Cook Islands.
With India, Iran and Mongolia claiming crucial victories, the race for promotion in Division B intensifies as teams prepare for the knockout phase.
FIBA