2017 FIBA Asia Cup - The Quarter Finals
The FIBA Asia Cup gets to the business end - a loss now means elimination from the tournament. Four thrilling games took place over two days, and with the final now in sight for four teams, the tournament continues to become more and more tense.
In the playoffs, Korea provided a big surprise when they eliminated Japan from the competition - could they do the same against Philippines?
To begin with, although Korea had the lead, Philippines were threatening. Towards the end of the first quarter, however, Korea’s terrific shooting and team play saw them build a steady lead, and as the game progressed they started to run away with it.
Terrence Romeo was getting it all done for Philippines with 22 points, meanwhile Korea were phenomenal from long range, sinking 16 three-point shots. Oh Se-keun has emerged as a powerful centre for Korea, he had 22 points in this contest, closely followed by Sunhyung Kim on 21.
Korea’s lead continued to grow, eventually ending at 32 points, the final score here 118-86.
The home crowds provided an incredible atmosphere as Lebanon took on Iran. Lebanon put on one of the more exciting performances of the tournament, and were highly effective shooting from short range, but were overpowered by Iran’s speed, discipline and ability with both the low-post layup and the long-range three-pointer.
Lebanon continued to fight, but it would not be enough. An outstanding game from Wael Arakji, who had 24 points and shooting more than 50% from the field, but it would not be enough for Lebanon. Unsung shooting star Jamshidi had 24 points and made six of seven three-point shots for Iran, who took the second quarter final by ten points.
China had an early lead over Australia for much of the first half, thanks in part to good handling of the ball in the paint and continued good play from Guo Ailun, as well as Gen Li who had 19 points.
For a long time the scores were really tight, up until mid-way through the third quarter when Australia finally managed to break China’s momentum. Their physicality and hustle began to wear the Chinese out, and baskets kept coming in all directions from Australia. Mitch Creek put in the biggest effort on offence, and was one of four Australians to score in double figures, as they outlasted China, winning by 26 points.
New Zealand exploited slack defending from Jordan and had a big early advantage. In the second quarter, Mah’d Abdeen helped to close the gap to just two points, where it had once been nine. New Zealand continued to execute smart plays to stamp their authority, against which Jordan made continuous fight-back attempts.
In the final quarter New Zealand went ballistic, outscoring Jordan by nineteen points and pulling off more exuberant plays. Shea Ili was outstanding for New Zealand, finishing with a double-double of 19 points and 13 assists, as they won over Jordan 98-70 and saw themselves through to the semi-finals.
Two familiar clashes are next up in the Asia Cup - Korea take on Iran while New Zealand face Australia for a place in the final. For more, head to the tournament's official website.
