Koyamainavure dominates against undefeated Kazakhstan
BENGALURU (FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2017 - Division B) – Fiji continue to get better and better each game in Bangalore, their latest matchup against Kazakhstan was no different.
Kazakhstan went into the game heavily favoured after going undefeated to this stage. Fiji was not fazed by their record, they gave everything they had against Kazakhstan. Fiji’s physical play frustrated their opponents, not giving them anything easy the whole game.
Kazakhstan’s scoring power ended up being too much for Fiji going down 71-48 in a much-improved content. Mili Koyamainavure stared again for Fiji, leading all scorers with 28 points and adding 5 rebounds plus 4 steals.
Koyamainavure spoke about her experience at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup so far after today’s game.
“It’s an amazing feeling just being able to be here.”
“We've never been to an Asia cup much less compete in a tournament with some of the teams we are playing against. It's an amazing opportunity and great exposure for us.”
The transition from the Pacific to Asia can be a worthwhile but challenging endeavour as Koyamainavure points out.
“The competition is very good and tough but is at a level that we can match if we had prepared well. It's tough for us as we usually are competing at the Pacific level.”
“Sometimes we are fortunate to play against Australia and New Zealand during the Oceania tournament but that doesn't happen much. We don't usually get to compete at this level, so we are all learning new things that we can take back with us to work on in order to be able to play against some of the top teams in the world.”
Koyamainavure also touched upon what it means to play for Fiji.
It's always an honour donning that Fijian jersey. Anytime or opportunity I get, to represent Fiji I take it. I always take pride in and being able to represent my country here in India for the Asia cup has been a blessing.”
Fiji will now have a rest day today and face host nation India on Thursday the 26th at 2:30am Fiji time.
Keep up with the latest scores, news and updates of the Fiji team in Bengaluru here: http://www.fiba.com/womensasiacup/2017/divisionb
