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| Image from FIBA. |
The 2017 FIBA Asia Cup saw a couple of upsets on Day 2, highlighted by the Philippines' stirring win over China and Iraq's unexpected victory over undermanned Qatar. Check out all the recaps and highlights from FIBA.com below.
PHILIPPINES over CHINA, 98-87
Box Scores.
Two years after their infamous Final loss in Changsha-Hunan, the Philippines dealt sweet vengeance against perennial tormentors China.
The Philippines have had a painful history facing China at the continental level, and by all indications, today's game was supposed to be another notch in China's favor. Entering this matchup, China had won 6 of their last 9 meetings with the Philippines at the senior men's level.
The Chinese were bigger, deeper and had significantly longer preparation as they entered the Asia Cup 2017 in Beirut. With 2015 All-Star Five member Guo Ailun leading the way, China were heavily favored against Gilas Pilipinas, who were without prized naturalized player Andray Blatche and who recently lost key center June Mar Fajardo to injury.
As soon as the opening tip of today's pivotal encounter, though, the Philippines were in overdrive. Coach Chot Reyes's wards looked every bit like the favorites. They were throwing triple-teams at China, forcing turnovers, running in transition and hitting their three-point bombs.
The Filipinos channelled all the pent up frustration of the past and turned it into energy that they used to the hilt.
The duo of Jayson Castro and Terrence Romeo proved to be magical again for the Philippines, with Asia Cup newcomers Matthew Wright, Raymond Almazan and Christian Standhardinger also holding their own. Castro had 13 points and 7 assists, while Wright drained 2 triples en route to 12 points. Aguilar, for his part, was a defensive dynamo, recording 5 blocked shots.
This result pushed the Philippines as favorites to top Group B, and it will be interesting to see how they approach their next matches against the Qatar and Iraq.
IRAN over INDIA, 101-54
Box Scores.
Take a look back on the highlights as Iran sent a message to the rest of Group A with a dominant 101-54 performance over India.
Iran jumped out to a 21-point first quarter lead and never looked back, as they faced little resistance from the Indian side.
Hadadi led the victors with 20 points and 8 assists, whilst India were led by Amjyot Singh Gill's 10 points, as the only player in double figures.
IRAQ over QATAR, 75-66
Box Scores.
Iraq registered a huge victory, taking down Qatar 75-66 to put them in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages.
Despite a surge from Qatar in the fourth, Iraq stayed in control from start to finish, led by Kevin Galloway's 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals,
Abdulrahman Saad was Qatar's top performer with a game-high 23 points.
JORDAN over SYRIA, 68-66
Box Scores.
Jordan survived a furious late rally from Syria to prevail 68-66 in the final game of Day 2 at the FIBA Asia Cup.
Jordan appeared to be in control of the contest, before Syria cut a 20-point lead to single digits, even taking a lead momentarily. However, Jordan made plays when it counted to hold on for the win.
Sixteen points from Mousa Alawadi led Jordan, with a game-high 25 points from Tarek Aljabi proving not to be enough for Syria.
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