Seri Mutiara Cup 2017: Day 1 match results

KUALA LUMPUR: The Seri Mutiara Cup 2017 basketball tournament opened with four pulsating games yesterday. Below are the match results after the first day of the tournament.

GROUP A
Kano Pillars vs Tochigi Brex
This match between the Nigerian and Japanese leagues' champions proved worthy of their national achievements. Still a bit jet lagged from their long flight, Kano Pillars shrugged of a sluggish start before taking the game to Japan's Tochigi Brex.
Tochigi Brex came off the bench strongly to lead throughout the first period thanks to the consistency of Ryan Rossiter, who ended the game with 20 points and 12 total rebounds.
Kano Pillars reversed the deficit shortly in the second period before the Japanese pulled ahead by 15 points after the third. In the fourth and final period, the Nigerians edged back to within 5 points but eventually ran out of time.
Final result: Kano Pillars 69 – Tochigi Brex 75

LG Sakers vs Beijing BRCB
In a fast and fiercely contested match, Beijing BRCB emerged victors under the leadership of former NBA star Stephon Marbury. Marbury had a quiet game in the first half but managed to keep his team in front for the most part.
The LG Sakers kept the game close and fast moving with quick rebounds and accurate 3-point shots.
Another ex-NBA player Josh Powell led the Sakers with an inspiring 22 points but their intensity faded over the last period as their Chinese opponents proved to be the fitter and fresher at the close.
Marbury came alive in the final period to inspire his team to a comfortable win with most of his 19 points coming in the fourth.
"They (LG Sakers) can shoot. Especially the 3-pointers. But, for the most part, we did a good job rebounding and countering when they missed," said Marbury.

Final result: LG Sakers 69 – Beijing BRCB 82

GROUP B
KK Split vs Guangzhou Securities
Last year's Seri Mutiara Cup champion, Guangzhou Securities,was 'split' apart by the mighty Croatians, KK Split.
They were no match for the speed and strength of the boys from KK Split. With this win, KK Split have established themselves as the team to beat.
The match started out a closely fought affair with KK Split leading by 1 point after the first period. Guangzhou's challenge all but petered out in the subsequent periods with the Croatians outscoring the Chinese in all departments.
Michaelyn Duane was KK Split's top scorer with 22 points and converting 4 out of 5 of his 3-point shots.
Final result: KK Split 77 – Guangzhou Securities 51
NS Matrix vs Fubon Braves
The last match of the day started off fast and furious with NS Matrix setting the pace. The Braves were not to be outdone as they matched the Matrix point for point before the Malaysian team pulled ahead to end the first half at 48 - 41.
It was a tight match all the way into the second half of the fourth period until the Matrix opened up an unassailable lead, over a fast fading Fubon Braves, which they held on to register a win in their first match of the tournament.
Keith Hornsby was the top scorer of the night with a massive 47 points for NS Matrix in the highest scoring match of the day.
"We are looking to give our younger players some exposure at this event while bringing in some exports to bulk up the team. The increase in exposure will help increase the depth of the team in general. That said, we have to balance trying to win and providing the exposure in a very strong field at this tournament," said Bryant Lester, Head Coach of NS Matrix.
Final result: NS Matrix 100 – Fubon Braves 91

To find out more about Seri Mutiara Cup 2017, visit NBL Asia's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nblasia/
For live updates of the games, please visit http://www.fibalivestats.com/u/MABA/680182/pbp.html
Day two of the 2017 Seri Mutiara Cup basketball tournament continues today. Please refer below for details: