ALMATY (Kazakhstan) – Hosts Kazakhstan came all guns blazing to open their Group B campaign at the Baluan Sholaq Sports Palace on Thursday after Palestine proved too hot for their rivals to notch their second win from as many games in as many days.
Palestine shut the doors on Sri Lanka late in the opening quarter cantering their way for a 121-63 triumph before Kazakhstan romped 114-43 over Maldives for the latter’s second successive defeat.
Palestine and Kazakhstan will carry forward the confidence of the win when they lock horns on Friday in a clash that might go a long way in the pool toppers of the Group.
One wouldn’t be mistaken for thinking Kazakhstan took to the court to not only notch a win, but also to send a message to the remainder of the fray about their intentions.
The early avalanche of lop-sided action as well as overwhelming dominance of the scoreboard all indicated for the attitude of the hosts.
Veterans Rustam Murzagaliyev and Antony Bykov were the leaders Steppen Wolves pack sharing the scoring honors for the team with 16 points apiece, the latter missing a double-double by three boards.
Ahmed Zabeer’s baker’s dozen led Maldives.
Brian Halums was the catalyst of a Palestine 14-0 surge after the initial scrimmage in the opening quarter that effectively sealed the encounter in the WABA team’s favour.
Amr Areikat came off the bench and went on to lead their scoring with 28 points, in 11/15 field shooting.
Kande Dasun Nilantha Mendis was the only Sri Lankan to return a double-digit with 16 points.
Sri Lanka take on Kyrgyzstan on the morrow.
FIBA