BENGALURU, India – The Akari Sparks missed out of a semifinal spot in the FIBA Women’s Basketball League Asia (WBL Asia) after losing to China’s Sichuan Yuanda Meile, 73-94, at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium on Thursday.
The Sparks took an 16-14 lead in the first period until the Chinese club caught its rhythm by unloading 30 points in the second quarter.
Sichuan Yuanda Meile, champions of the WCBA which is aiming to make it three consecutive titles for a team from China, pulled away for a 53-33 halftime lead and never looked back to win Group A with a 2-0 record.
Saicha Grant-Allen led Akari with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Stef Berberabe added 12 points, five assists and three boards. Jhaz Joson had 11 points while Bre’Amber Scott was the other Sparks player who scored in double digits with 10.
Akari will try to finish its international tournament debut on a winning note, as the Philippine club plays Indian Railways in the classification game for fifth and sixth places at 3:30 p.m. (Manila time) on Saturday.
