Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Akari-Rizal closed its first Akari-Rizal WBL Asia campaign on a winning note, routing Indian Railways 86-56 on Saturday at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru to secure fifth place in the FIBA Women's Basketball League Asia 2026.
The result offered consolation for the reigning WMPBL champions, who had lost both of their Group Phase assignments and arrived at the classification game still searching for a first victory on foreign soil.
Akari-Rizal WBL Asia run ends with a 30-point margin
The Philippine representatives trailed early but seized control late in the second quarter, then broke the game open after the interval. A 13-3 surge carried them into the halftime break ahead 42-30, and the gap only widened from there.
Angel Surada opened the third period with a layup to push the lead to 14, and Akari-Rizal reached a 20-point cushion for the first time at 53-33 with 6:48 remaining in the quarter. The advantage swelled to as many as 32 points at 76-44 early in the fourth, with Eka Soriano among those converting as the Philippine side controlled the second half.
Indian Railways, making its own debut in the competition, finished winless in three games. Pushpa Senthil Kumar and Harima Munishkannan scored 13 points apiece in the losing effort.
Bre'Amber Scott and Saicha Grant-Allen set the tone
Bre'Amber Scott top-scored with 25 points and six rebounds, shooting 8-of-10 from the floor and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Saicha Grant-Allen added a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds to go with five assists, two steals and two blocks across 33 minutes.
The two imports combined for eight points during the decisive run before halftime that turned a tight contest into a double-digit lead. Their production gave the local core room to operate, and the supporting cast responded.
Jhazmin Joson finished with eight points and five assists, Allana Lim contributed seven points, and Kent Pastrana added five points, 10 rebounds and four assists. The roster is built around former and current Gilas Pilipinas Women players, a detail that gives the result added weight for the national program.
Derrick Pumaren praises his players' response
Head coach Derrick Pumaren said the approach for the classification match was straightforward after two group-stage defeats — an 85-75 loss to Cathay Life on Wednesday and a 73-94 setback against Sichuan Yuanda.
"I told my players that we have to play with a lot of pride," Pumaren said. "We just have to come out and get a win in today's game, and the players answered the call. They played well, they played hard."
Asked about the possibility of returning to the league next year, the coach left the door open and framed the experience in broader terms for the women's game at home.
"It was a great experience for us, and we'll be happy to play again," he said. "I think this will help in uplifting women's basketball, especially in the Philippines."
What the fifth-place finish means for Akari-Rizal
A fifth-place finish out of a maiden international campaign is a modest return on the scoreboard, but the value lies in the exposure. Akari-Rizal entered the tournament as WMPBL champions and left with a win over a fellow debutant, plus minutes for a roster that overlaps heavily with the Gilas Women pool.
The two group losses came against established club programs, and the gap in those games was evident. The response in the classification match — a 30-point win built on efficient shooting from the imports and balanced contributions elsewhere — is the kind of performance a coach can carry into the next cycle.
Whether that next cycle includes another WBL Asia appearance remains unresolved. Pumaren's comments suggest the intent is there, but no commitment has been announced.
The original report on this game was published by tiebreakertimes.com.ph.
