After taking down Puerto Rica on the opening day of the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifiers for Women, the Turkish woman basketball team knocked over the Japanese 65-49 on Tuesday night
Led by 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals by their centre Nevriye Yilmaz, the Turkish women basketball team romped to their second win in as many days with a 65-49 decision over Japan.
Kuanitra Hollingsworth who dropped 13 points and also grabbed 9 rebounds in last night’s game had only 10 points this time around while Esmeral Tuncluer ended the night with 15 points on a 6 of 8 shooting from the floor which also included two three pointers on three attempts. Birsal Vardarli couldn’t cross double scoring figures, but made significant contribution with 8 points, 6 boards and 5 assists.
The Japanese charge was led by their centre Yuka Mamiya, who contributed a game high 17 points on a 7 of 11 shooting from the two points range and 3 of 6 from the free throw line. Forward Maki Takada had 11 points on a 50 percent shooting from the field along with 7 rebounds and 2 steals, but was also responsible for 6 of the total 14 Japanese turnovers.
The Turks got off to a fast start and were leading by 16-8 at the end of the first quarter. They continued to dominate the Japanese defence in the second quarter as well and going into the break, increased their advantage to 36-23.
The third quarter turned out to be a more competitive affair, but the Turks were never really troubled as the lead remained in double figures throughout.
The Japanese were h**l bent on taking more and more shots from the land of three and that turned out to be the main reason of their loss.
They tried 23 three point shots, making only 5 of them. On the other hand, they connected on 14 of their thirty 2 point attempts. The reliance on perimeter shooting also meant lesser free throws for the Asians and all this ultimately resulted in a defeat.
The Japanese will now take on the Puerto Ricans tomorrow on the last day of the preliminary rounds. A defeat for either team will result in a knockout from the tournament.
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