RODEZ (FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) - Russia opened the first FIBA U17 World Women Championship for Women in Rodez with an impressive 93-68 win over Japan, a result that will bring a lot of confidence in a tough group.

The Russians knew how to use their substantial physical superiority as they proved to be an insurmountable wall, blocking six of Japan's shots.

Anna Arkhipova-Von Kalmanovich's girls scored the first points and controlled the game. Thanks to their combination of strong inside play and transition baskets, they jumped out to a 24-6 lead to end the first quarter and never looked back.

Ksenia Tikhonenko had a superb all-around performance with 22 points, 16 rebunds and two blocks.

Japan struggled from the field throughout, hitting just 20 of 68 shot attempts and stuck around for a while thanks to their accurate free-throw shooting, making 23 of 25 tries from the charity stripe. They drew many fouls by driving to the basket.

A full court defense allowed the Japanese to narrow the deficit but the Russsians were too well organised. After letting their guard down for a stretch, they regained their focus and reasserted their dominance.

Quotes

Anna Arkhipova-Von Kalmanovich (Russia head coach): “We are very happy because the first game is always important for self-confidence. Our girls showed character.”

Shinichiro Hayashi (Japan head coach): “Russia has been a good and efficient team in the paint. We gave them lot of space. It’s so hard for us.”

FIBA/LOC