India finish 5th in Asia U-16 basketball Championship

Colombo: The Indian under-16 basketball contingent finished fifth place in the third FIBA Asia Championship for Women by defeating Kazakhstan 84-71.

Vimmy Varkey made all her four free throws count in the last 30 seconds of the game to keep it out of reach for Kazakhstan.

After securing a victory over Malaysia earlier in the tournament, India had to win against Kazakhstan to retain level I position for the fourth FIBA Asia U16 Championship scheduled for 2015. India has finished fifth for the second time in the event.

After leading by six points in the first quarter, Kazakhstan put up a fight as they went to tie the score at half time at 36.

The third quarter belonged to India as they scored 26 points to Kazakhstan's 15. Four Indian players scored double digits in today's game, with Riya Verma being the highest netting 24 points.

India went on to score 34 from Point in the Paint and 11 points from Turnovers. India's victory was powered by their inside play and defense, scoring 34 points in the paint and 11 more off turnovers.

Three India players finished with double-doubles in points and rebounds -- Bhandavya Hemmige Mahesha (23 points and 12 rebounds), Srividhya Venkataraman (20 and 11) and Mayukha Kollam Thodi (11 and 11).

"I would like to congratulate the players. It was good to finish the tournament on a high, defeating Kazakhstan. All credit goes to these players who have been working hard over a period of two months preparing for this Championship," Head Coach TD Biju said.

"They have done a wonderful job in realising the strategies that we had put in place for today's game," he added.