Gallant India go down to Chinese Taipei
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Last Updated: Friday, September 18, 2009, 21:15
  
Gallant India go down to Chinese Taipei
Chennai: Despite putting up a spirited
display, India went down 61-84 to Chinese Taipei, a regular in
Level-One competition, in the 23rd Asian women Basketball
Championship here this evening.


Earlier, in another league match, China defeated Japan
75-58.


Taipei, who have won nine medals in 17 appearances in the
Championship, took little time to assess the strengths of the
hosts and ruled the roost from the second quarter onwards with
a superior display.


India tried their best but depended more on shots under
the board than outside shooting. There was only a marginal
improvement in their zonal defence, which was fully utilised
by Taipei players, especially Shih-chieh Chang and Wan-ting
Li.


For the second successive day, Indian captain and
spearhead Geetu Anna Jose did not get enough support and
remained the sole aggressive player, scoring most of the
points in each quarter.


India was leading 16-9 with three minutes to go for the
first quarter when Jose was withdrawn.


Taipei grabbed the chance and not only levelled the score
at 16-16 but also went on to lead 18-16 and then 33-25. From
here, the visitors steadily improved their shooting.
At the end of the first half, Taipei led 44-34. India
found it difficult to match the rivals, particularly in
scoring from second passes after successful rebound
collections.


India gave away more points by missing the hoop and
failing to go for multiple shots due to improper rebound
collections.


On all counts, India failed to maintain the momentum of
the first quarter and made elementary mistakes.


Asked why Anita Pauldurai was used as a ball handler for
the second successive day, Coach JB Singh said, "You are
asking me all these questions. Assistant coach Dinesh Mitchell
is the right person to answer your queries. He is the one who
decides on the training and combinations for a match."


Singh said lack of outside shooting was the reason for
India`s loss today.
Meanwhile, Geethu Anna Jose, who was asked by the Coach
to answer questions on behalf of Pauldurai, said she was used
in that position as she is the best ball handler.


"We have three more matches to play. Our aim is to win
two of the three ties and remain in the Level One," she said.



Bureau Report

First Published: Friday, September 18, 2009, 21:15


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