BENGALURU (India) - Denso ushered in a new era in the FIBA Women's Basketball League Asia by beating Sichuan Yuanda Meile in the 2026 Final, 81-63, on Sunday night at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium.
Maki Takada finished with 23 points as the veteran internationalist showed the way for the Iris in foiling the Pandas' bid of winning another championship while they became the first team from Japan to win it all.
Haruna Kasagi came through with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals as she helped out in the third-quarter charge toward commanding 66-48 lead entering the fourth, breaking the game wide open.
Mai Kawai delivered 13 points alongside 4 rebounds and 6 assists, while Senegalese forward Sokhna Sylla added 10 points and 5 rebounds as their efforts helped Denso complete a 4-game sweep of the Bengaluru meet.
"Four years ago, we had zero trophies. Now we won a cup, a championship, and this is the cherry on top," said Denso head coach Vladimir Vuksanovic, mighty proud of their turnaround from contenders to champions.
Meanwhile, Cathay Life secured a spot in the podium by beating Cheongju KB in the Third-Place Game, 73-68, behind Shelby Cheslek's first-ever league triple-double with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists.
FIBA Women's Basketball League Asia 2026 final standings:
1. Denso Iris 2. Sichuan Yuanda Meile 3. Cathay Life Tigers 4. Cheongju KB Stars 5. Akari Sparks 6. Indian Railways
FIBA