BENGALURU, India – The Philippines’ Akari Sparks will go all out in their FIBA Women’s Basketball League Asia (WBL Asia) opening game against Cathay Life Pacific of Chinese Taipei’s WSBL Wednesday at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium here.
Akari’s Group A opener is set at 6:30 p.m. (Manila time), needing to score a win to boost its chances of advancing to the semifinal.
The Sparks will wrap up their group stage campaign against Sichuan Yuanda Meile, champions of the WCBA which is aiming to make it three consecutive titles for a team from China, also 6:30 p.m. (Manila time) on Thursday.
There’s no room for error as Akari needs to finish in the top two in Group A to make it to the Saturday semifinal. The Final is on Sunday.
Denso Iris, champions of Japan’s WJBL, KB Stars of Korea’s WKBL, and Indian Railways of India completes Group B.
The Sparks have a mix of talented club and national team standouts, as well as battle tested veterans and young players, as they compete against the continent’s finest.
Handled by legendary coach Derrick Pumaren, Akari’s 11-strong WBLA roster is led by Canadian Olympian Saicha Grant-Allen and former Texas Tech standout Bre’Amber Scott.
National team standouts Jhaz Joson, Kent Pastrana, Angel Surada, Stef Berberabe and Camille Clarin are teaming up with battle-tested stalwarts Ali Lim, Camille Sambile, Sthefanie Ventura and Eka Soriano.
