2017 FIBA Asia Cup Group Stage Report
Picture: FIBA.com
The group stage of the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup has concluded: for some it was business as usual, and others are exceeding expectations and making the tournament all the more interesting.
As predicted, Group B proved to be highly exciting. The first round of games saw short-handed China lose to Philippines, then it looked as if victory was assured for Qatar, but Iraq turned the tables on them late for the win. It would be a loss Qatar would not recover from, as they would go on to lose to China and Philippines, which saw them suffer an unfortunate early exit.
Behind Terrence Romeo, Philippines blitzed all opposition, easily securing the top spot in the group of death, and China and Iraq were already guaranteed a playoff spot going into the final day of group play. Liaoning star Guo Ailun flourished in his new, leading role for China, registering 30 points in the win over Qatar, and Iraq’s hopes were still high despite an 84-68 loss to Philippines.
As the two remaining teams faced off, Iraq's sensational team play had given them an early advantage, but China kept finding ways through Iraq's defence. Iraq did not lose sight of the victory, but China stole it at the end by a single point, leaving them second in the group.
New Zealand found themselves to be one the biggest talking points of the tournament. Building on an opening win against Kazakhstan, they then saw off hosts Lebanon, 86-82. While not exactly a shock result, New Zealand were showing new top-quality form and determination in their new surroundings.
They failed to finish the group with a perfect record after a defeat to Korea by a single point, but their head to head record against Korea and Lebanon gave them a bye to the quarter-finals. The hosts and Korea both advance, with winless Kazakhstan returning home.
Iran’s terrific interior play and Jordan’s first-class teamwork easily lifted them over both Syria and India opponents – although Jordan narrowly avoided a loss to Syria – with the two meeting in the final matchup of the group to decide who would get the easier knockout route. The game between the two was highly physical and bad-tempered. Iran’s organisation and unstoppable inside play saw them dominate the first half, while in the second Jordan used of their opponents moves against them. Iran very much had their grip on the game and did not let go, winning 83-71, and sending Jordan to the quarter-final playoffs.
Joining Jordan will be Syria, who, after being on the back foot for the first half of their final game against India, rallied behind an amazing performance from Ivan Todorovic, who had 23 points and 14 rebounds, to see themselves fight another day. It was too little too late for India, while for Syria the story continues.
In the opening game of Group D, Hong Kong had an early lead over Chinese Taipei. Good, varied play, a double-double from Po-Hsun Chou and 22 points from Yi-Hsing Chou saw them take a vital win in the difficult group. Despite big performances throughout from Duncan Reid, there was no way back for Hong Kong - Australia managed a 41-point victory over them, and Japan were resilient as ever.
As expected, Australia advanced as group winners with Japan in second, Chinese Taipei had won the right to challenge to stay in the competition.
The tournament has thrown up a lot of exciting and unexpected results, with hopefully more to come. For more, head to the tournament's official website.
