Sri Lanka Dominates Bhutan in SABA Women’s Championship Opener with a Resounding 98-33 Victory

Sri Lanka began their title defense at the SABA Women’s Championship in emphatic fashion, securing a dominant 98-33 victory over Bhutan. The match, played on August 28, saw Sri Lanka assert their dominance from the outset, showcasing their superiority both offensively and defensively.

The game started with Sasanthi Samarasinghe, who quickly got Sri Lanka on the scoreboard with a free throw. From there, the Sri Lankan team took control, leveraging their height advantage to dominate the boards and stifle Bhutan's scoring opportunities. Sri Lanka managed to secure 80% of the rebounds, highlighting their physical dominance.

Throughout the first quarter, Sri Lanka’s defense was impenetrable, and their offense was equally impressive. Bhutan, despite showing some defensive skills early on, was unable to contain the relentless Sri Lankan attack. The half-court trap defense employed by Sri Lanka was particularly effective, leading to numerous steals and easy baskets, allowing them to build an insurmountable lead by halftime.

As the game progressed into the final two quarters, Sri Lanka's coaching staff took the opportunity to rotate the squad, ensuring that every player got time on the court. This strategy not only kept the team fresh but also allowed emerging talents to showcase their skills in a competitive setting.

Top Performers:

• Sasanthi Samarasinghe led the scoring for Sri Lanka with an impressive 27 points, while also dominating the boards with 19 rebounds.
• Epciba Washington Clay contributed 17 points, making a significant impact on the game.
• Benika Thalagala added 14 points to the tally, further showcasing Sri Lanka’s offensive depth.

Key Rebounders:

• Sasanthi Samarasinghe continued her all-around performance with 19 rebounds.
• Lubna Morseth grabbed 11 rebounds, providing crucial support in the paint.
• Kamalene Mills chipped in with 7 rebounds, contributing to the team's overall dominance.

This commanding performance sets a strong tone for Sri Lanka’s campaign in the SABA Women’s Championship, reaffirming their status as the team to beat. As the defending champions, Sri Lanka has sent a clear message to their competitors that they are in top form and ready to defend their title with vigor.