Segamat edge Kulai in MWBL

KUALA LUMPUR: Two-time Malaysia Women Basketball League (MWBL) champions Segamat BA did just enough to edge Kulai BA 65-53 to get their latest campaign off to a shaky start.

Segamat, winners in 2014 and 2015, struggled with ball possession in the Johor derby as they conceded a total of 25 turnovers at the Maba Stadium yesterday.

But Segamat, with four national players – Pang Hui Pin, R. Kalaimathi, Magdelene Low and Wong Mei Chyn – in their line-up came good in the end.

Hui Pin finished with 12 points and nine rebounds while former national players Ang Siew Teng (13pts) and Pee Yann Yann (10pts) also put in a good shift.

Kulai relied heavily on Thai import Supira Klanbut, who reeled in a game-high 30 points.

Segamat head coach Thoh Chai Ling was far from pleased with her team’s defensive efforts.

“I’m definitely not satisfied with my team’s performance today. Maybe it was because we are still a little rusty,” said the former national player.

“Our defence definitely needs a lot more work. It’s never good to allow one player to score 30 points.”

Segamat’s next match in the seven-team league will be against defending champions KL Binapuri on Oct 21.

In yesterday’s other match, Selangor Megainn stamped their title credentials by thrashing a hapless Supersports BC 80-29.

Captain Ooi Poh Yee led the scoring with 12 points while youngster Hiew Ky Lie chipped in with 11 points.