2018 Asian Games Recap: August 25th
The last games of the men's competition brought an end to the group stage at the Asian Games, and hinted that there's a lot more action to come from this tournament:
The withdrawal of the UAE before the start of the tournament meant Group B turned into a single-game playoff between Syria and Iran. Abdulwahab Al-hamwi had the best showing for Syria with 19 points and 10 rebounds, but playing to their strengths and making their height advantage count, Iran emerged victorious by 68 points to 55. Despite the result, both teams make the quarter-finals, albeit with Iran in the more advantageous position.
Chinese Taipei started strong, but Qatar’s shot selection and success from the field saw them close the gap and take a two-point lead at the start of the fourth quarter. It was tight for the game’s remainder up to the last three minutes, when Chinese Taipei went in front after a five-point unanswered run. Qatar intentionally fouled to try and slow the game down, but Chinese Taipei had continued success from the foul line and took the final score to 83-70 in their favour. They top Group C, while Qatar are now out of medal contention.
Mongolia needed a win to keep their quarter-final hope alive, while Indonesia already had one win to their name, but another would guarantee their place in the knockout stage. The hosts got off to the best start, leading Mongolia by four after ten minutes, but behind a great performance from Sanchir Tungalag, who had 28 points, Mongolia went on to lead by eleven at the half.
Indoneisa tried to come back, but continuing to find the best looks on offence, Mongolia kept their opponents at bay and the advantage with them. Winning the game by five, Mongolia became one of three teams in Group A to finish with a 1-2 record, meaning the runners-up spot came down to point difference - and Indonesia were ahead by a single point over Mongolia.
After these results, the quarter-final field in the men's competition is set:
South Korea (A1) vs Philippines (D2)
Iran (B1) vs Japan (C2)
Chinese Taipei (C1) vs Syria (B2)
China (D1) vs Indonesia (A2)
Basketball at the Asian Games continues tomorrow with the start of the women's quarter-finals. More on the the tournament and the Asian Games can be found on the official website.
