RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian U18 women's national basketball team secured a third-place finish at the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup Division B 2026, routing India 70-50 in a high-stakes bronze medal playoff at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

The emphatic 20-point victory served as a sweet redemption for the Indonesian squad, who had previously suffered a crushing 46-79 loss against the exact same Indian lineup during their Group A opening clash on July 15. The bronze medal successfully cushions the team's disappointment after their narrow semifinal loss to Lebanon.

The match opened with an intense, physical battle on the hardwood. India initially asserted dominance by capitalising on early Indonesian turnovers, racing to an early 8-2 lead. However, the Indonesian players adjusted their defensive rotations rapidly, engineering a disciplined comeback to edge ahead 12-11 by the end of the first quarter.

As reported by Antara, the second period saw both teams trading regular leads in a high-pressure, end-to-end showcase. Exploiting defensive lapses and winning key physical rebounds under the rim, India managed to regain absolute control just before the half-time buzzer, carrying a slim 29-27 lead into the locker rooms.

Whatever adjustments head coach Fredy made during the half-time interval completely transformed the game's momentum. Returning to the court, the Indonesian squad unleashed a highly aggressive full-court press that completely unraveled India's tactical offensive setups.

Indonesia dominated the third quarter by outscoring India 25-11, entering the final frame with a comfortable 52-40 cushion. The relentless defensive pressure continued into the fourth quarter, suffocating India's shooters and limiting them to a meager 10 points. Meanwhile, Indonesia added 18 points to their tally, comfortably cruising to a 70-50 victory.

According to coach Fredy, the sweeping turnaround was the direct result of a rigorous post-group-stage review. The coaching staff had heavily focused on neutralizing India's ball-handlers and commanding defensive rebounds. The strategy proved exceptionally effective, allowing the squad to dominate the entire second half and secure their place on the continental podium. ***