After a solid win for the AIS Centre of Excellence women’s basketball team yesterday, Game 2 was set to be more challenging as Japan recovered from travel and jetlag. Both teams had time to evaluate Game 1 and make any adjustments in preparation for Game 2 today.

The start of the game saw both teams brining lots of energy at both ends of the floor,  with the COE hitting a couple of quick baskets, hustling and working hard early on the boards to lead the rebounding for the quarter 13 -7. COE continued to dominate their scoring ability in the paint, but Japan certainly were not holding back as they continued to push the ball up the floor, applying intense defensive pressure and looking for the open 3.  The COE’s defense did a much better job of contesting shots to hold Japan to1/7 from 3 point land. The tempo of the first quarter showed it was going to be an up tempo game and a fight to the end with COE up 22-19 end of the first quarter.

During the second quarter Japan’s ongoing confidence was present in their offensive structure, and an obvious focus this game was to penetrate the ball more and get to the foul line, as well as finding the open player, in which Japan hit a couple of long three’s half way in the second to put the heat back on the COE. The COE had a bit of a dry stretch not scoring for a short period as Japan continued their full court defensive pressure causing the COE to make a few poor decisions and turning the ball over. Japan took advantage of the COE turnovers scoring14 points.  Heading into half time COE were down to Japan 46-44.

Starting the second half, the COE had to make a few adjustments to their defense, particularly in transition, containing dribble penetration and increasing hand pressure on Japan’s 3 point shooters. It was critical for the COE in match Japan’s intensity offensively by consistently increasing their defensive pressure.  The COE also needed to adjust offensively, reducing the tempo of the game and executing more effectively in the quarter court offense.

The COE had a slow start in the third quarter, however, continued to battle hard as Japan lifted their defensive pressure and physicality, forcing turnovers and some poor shot attempts from the COE. Japan punished the COE for these errors, finishing the third quarter with 26 points off turnovers giving Japan a comfortable 71 – 63 lead at the end of the third quarter.

The COE made the 4^th quarter a battle and they held strong and together to chip away at Japan’s 11 point lead with just less than 5 minutes of play remaining.  The COE’s defensive force and pressure bothered Japan in the latter stages of the quarter missing some uncharacteristic baskets. Offensively the COE were much more poised and disciplined in their offense, this gave them the lead with only a couple of minutes left to play.  The COE’s hardnosed defense and persistence on the boards held Japan to 11 points for the final quarter.

In summary, even though the COE gave up too many points, the COE women improved pushing the ball in transition and showing poise in their half court offense with great execution particularly in the critical latter part of the game.  The COE dominated the boards (41-28) and scoring in the paint (56-28).  The COE’s overall focus, relentlessness efforts and “WE” attitude secured the win over their tough opponent Japan.

Great performances by a number of the COE women’s players:

 Alice Kunek - 26 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists,

 Alex Wilson - 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists,

Alicia Froling - 14 points, 5 rebounds

Tess Madgen - 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists

Tiana Mangakahia - 9 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists

Louise Brown - 10 rebounds

Game 3 – Wednesday 13^th at 9:30am