JINAN, China (2nd FIBA Asia U16 Championship for Women): Malaysia and Hong Kong the top two teams – in terms of the ranking of the previous edition of the event – kept their reputation intact posting their second wins from as many games as Singapore overcame some initial stutter to beat an enthusiastic Sri Lanka 72-54 in Level II action on Monday.

The wins for Hong Kong – against Uzbekistan – and Malaysia – against Macau – resembled each other as the two teams took another and firmer step towards a top-two finish in Level II.

The top two teams of Level II will earn an opportunity to play off against the bottom two teams of Level I to qualify for next edition’s Level I participation.

Malaysia and Hong Kong take one each other on Tuesday.

Malaysia were up and running shrugging off the early morning chill right from the word go against Macau.

Michelle Lee went on to lead Malaysia’s scoring with 17 points and Karen Sia added 10 as coach Choo Seck Yun spread the minutes giving all her players more than 8 minutes each.

Hong Kong coach Yam Yau Tong did something similar after racing ahead 15-3.

Leung Wai led Hong Kong’s scoring with 15 points and Cheung Wa Sin added 10.

Amanda Lim (pic above) led a Singaporean offense that left Sri Lanka gasping after the initial sparring.

Sri Lanka, who beat Macau on the opening day, did well to keep pace with their SEABA rivals before Singapore closed the first half with a 7-2 run that sealed the issue.

Freda Chua had 17 points and pulled down 16 rebounds.

Durage Dapana led Lanka with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

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FIBA Asia