#FIBAU18Asia 2018 Final Day Recap: Australia claim first U18 Asia title!

The Australians trampled over all opponents at the 2018 FIBA U18 Asian Championship.

Australia cruised to their sixth win of the 2018 FIBA U18 Asia Championship at New Zealand's expense and claimed their first U18 Asia title. They were joined by the Junior Tall Blacks and the Chinese on the podium here in Nonthaburi, Thailand

BAHRAIN over KOREA, 100-93

Bahrain compounded Korea's frustrations on the final day of competition here in Nonthaburi, Thailand by handing them their third loss in a row. It was a see-saw battle from the tip that saw 23 lead changes, but the Bahrainis's 20-9 finishing kick in the last six minutes sealed the deal in their favor. Mustafa Rashed exploded with 33 points to lead Bahrain, and he was backstopped by 15 points from Ali Kadhem and 11 from Rashed Awadh. Yeo JunSeok paced the Koreans with 23. 

Kim HyungBin and the Korean's ended their tournament on a whimper.

Mustafa Rashed erupted for 33 big points for Bahrain.

Rashed Awadh rises and rocks the rim on the final day.

JAPAN over IRAN, 60-58

Japan ended their tournament on a strong note, surviving a bigger Iran side to finish in fifth place. The Iranians had the edge in rebounding and inside scoring here, but Japan compensated by forcing 21 Iran turnovers. The backcourt trio of Yuki Kawamura, Takuto Nakamura, and Shuko Nakata worked wonders in this match, combining for 41 points and 7 steals even shooter Keisei Tominaga struggled with only 8 markers. Iran finish in sixth spot and were paced by Mohammad Taghilou and Amirhossein Rezaeifar, who had 10 points each.

Iran ended their tournament losing 2 of their last 3 games.

Shuki Nakata orchestrated the offense well for the Japanese.

Takuto Nakamura stepped up as Japan ended their campaign on a bright note.

CHINA over PHILIPPINES, 76-57

The Filipinos scored the first two baskets of this game, but that was pretty much the only thing they had going in the first quarter, which was thoroughly dominated by a vengeful Chinese squad. Thanks to the hot shooting of big man Michael Wang, China opened up an early double-digit lead, and they never looked back as they cruised to a sweet payback win over the Filipinos, who beat them on Day 3. Wang led the way with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 triples, while Xu Jie outplayed the Filipino guards with 18 points, 5 boards, and 7 dimes. Kai Sotto and AJ Edu combined for 30 points and 16 rebounds to carry the Philippines' losing cause. The Filipinos finish in 4th place -- the highest finish of any Philippine U18 team since 1992.

Michael Wang and AJ Edu were two of the best players in the entire competition.

Dave Ildefonso just couldn't find his shot on the final day.

Kai Sotto and the Filipinos finish 4th at the Asian youth level for the 2nd time this year.

Xu Jie outplayed all his Filipino counterparts in this "revenge game."

AUSTRALIA over NEW ZEALAND, 72-63

Australia's strong start was all they needed to stave off a spirited challenge from neighbors New Zealand and pocket their first U18 Asia crown. No one Emu dominated the proceedings, but all-around efficiency and consistency shone through once again for the Aussies, who led by as many as 19 points in the title-clinching win. Sam Froling continued to his brilliance with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks, while Kody Stattmann added 17 points. Kyle Bowen also impressed with a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double, while the Kiwis leaned on the 20 points of athletic forward Maxwell Darling. Flynn Cameron and Kruz Perrott-Hunt each tallied 16 markers as the Junior Tall Blacks bring home the silver medal from their maiden U18 Asia appearance.

Maxwell Darling was one of New Zealand's most promising prospects here.

Sam Froling was consistently brilliant for the Emus.

Tamuri Wigness tries to split the defense in the championship game.

Day 6's Best Players:
Michael Wang (CHN) - 27pts, 14rebs, 4asts, 2stls, 4 triples
Mustafa Rashed (BRN) - 33pts, 3asts, 7 triples
Maxwell Darling (NZL) - 20pts, 8rebs
Xu Jie (CHN) - 18pts, 5rebs, 7asts
Lee HyunJung (KOR) - 19pts, 12rebs, 7asts, 2stls

Most Efficient Players:
Lee HyunJung (KOR) - 26.0ppg, 10.3rpg, 6.0apg, 3.3spg, 3.7 triples per game.
Michael Wang (CHN) - 20.0ppg, 13.0rpg, 3.6apg, 1.3spg, 1.4 triples per game.
Sam Froling (AUS) - 14.2ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.0bpg, 65.4 FG%.
Kyle Bowen (AUS) - 13.0ppg, 10.2rpg, 70.4 FG%.
Guo Haowen (CHN) - 18.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 5.4apg, 1.3spg, 1.4 triples per game.

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#FIBAU18Asia 2018 Day 6 Recap: New Zealand and Australia to dispute the championship!

Kai Sotto and Batang Gilas bit off more than they could chew against Australia.

New Zealand and Australia will have a rematch in the Final of the 2018 FIBA U18 Asia Championship in Nonthaburi, Thailand after they disposed of China and the Philippines respectively on Day 6's Semi-Final matches.

IRAN over KOREA, 89-81

Korea continued to reel from yesterday's loss to China, and their body language showed it today as they absorbed their second defeat in a row, this time against Iran. The Iranians had a strong start to the game, leading by double-figures after the first period, and though the game wavered back and forth, it was U18 Team Melli that proved tougher in the last stretch. Amirhossein Rezaeifar dropped 27 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots to lead the Iranians, while Lee HyunJung flirted with a triple-double line -- 24 points, 9 boards, 9 dimes, and 6 steals -- to pace Korea.

Amirhossein Rezaeifar slams one home for Iran.

Cha MinSeok and the Koreans continue their descent.

Mohammad Taghilou rises for a jumper against Korea.

JAPAN over BAHRAIN, 92-85 (OT)

Japan trailed by as many as 16 points in the second half, but they put on quite a show from the fourth quarter and into the overtime. Keisei Tominaga, Yuki Kawamura, and Keijiro Mitani were the ones who conspired in Japan's amazing comeback effort, and it bore fruit as they will have a rematch against Iran for fifth place. Tominaga led the way with 33 points, 3 steals, and 5 triples, while Kawamura and Mitani added 17 and 22 points respectively. Mustafa Rashed had 29 points for Bahrain even as Karim Aboukuora had 17 points and 11 boards.

Keisei Tominaga was on fire as Japan made their comeback.

Muzamil Hamoda rues their foiled chance to beat the Japanese.

Seishin Yokochi goes up strong against Bahrain.

NEW ZEALAND over CHINA, 87-82

In what was a pretty tight game through and through, it was the Junior Tall Blacks who survived and advance to the Final. Despite getting 0 points from their second unit, the Kiwis still prevailed mainly due to terrific playmaking and more efficient outside shooting. Flynn Cameron recorded a sublime triple-double to carry New Zealand -- 19 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds -- while Maxwell Darling erupted for 24 points. Kruz Perrott-Hunt also impressed with 21 markers and 8 boards. As for China, Guo Hawen and Michael Wang paired up for 47 points.

Flynn Cameron's triple-double was absolutely scintillating.

Guo Haowen triies to drive through very heavy traffic.

Maxwell Darling elevates and detonates for New Zealand.

AUSTRALIA over PHILIPPINES, 77-43

This highly anticipated battle of unbeaten teams turned out to be a lopsided affair. The Aussies and Filipinos were toe-to-toe in the first period, but the Emus broke the game open in the second quarter thanks to their full-court pressure defense that forced Batang Gilas into numerous turnovers. By game's end, Australia had 14 steals and 10 points off the Filipinos' errors. From then on, the Emus were unchallenged as they marched their way into the Final, leading by as many as 41 points. Nearly every Australian player scored here, with Sam Froling's 12 points leading the way. On the other end, nobody scored more than 9 points for the Philippines.

AJ Edu and the Filipinos see their undefeated run come to an end.

Jashua Gatbel and the Aussies proved to be too much against the Philippines.

Tyler Robertson attacks the interior as the Emus move on to the Final.

Day 5's Best Players:
Amirhossein Rezaeifar (IRI) - 27pts, 15rebs, 4blks - 37
Lee HyunJung (KOR) - 24pts, 9rebs, 9asts, 6stls - 34
Flynn Cameron (NZL) - 19pts, 12asts, 10rebs, 2stls - 30
Keisei Tominaga (JPN) - 33pts, 5rebs, 3stls, 5 triples - 29
Maxwell Darling (NZL) - 24pts, 7rebs, 3blks - 28

Final Day Pairings:
For 3rd Place - China v Philippines
For 1st Place - New Zealand v Australia


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#FIBAU18Asia 2018 Day 5 Recap: New Zealand, Philippines, Australia, and China qualify to U19 World Cup!

The Filipinos survived a very game Bahrain to move on to the Semi-Finals and the U19 World Cup.

Only four remain standing at the end of Day 5 at the 2018 FIBA U18 Asia Championship in Nonthaburi, Thailand, and these same four teams -- New Zealand, Philippines, Australia, and China -- will rep FIBA Asia at the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup.

NEW ZEALAND over IRAN, 87-72

All game long, Iran had trouble with New Zealand's size and heft, and in the end, that was Team Melli's undoing. In their effort to try and contain the Kiwi frontline, Iran committed 27 fouls and gifted the Junior Tall Blacks with 35 free throw attempts. The Kiwis swished 25 of their freebies, and it proved to be a critical difference-maker. James Moors scored 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead New Zealand, while Flynn Cameron added 15 points and 8 assists. On the other end, Iran suffered their first defeat of the competition and have been booted from World Cup contention. Behshad Arabzadeh paced the Iranians with 19 points. 

Flynn Cameron was his usual splendid self for New Zealand.

Iran bows out after absorbing their first defeat of the competition.

Kruz Perrot-Hunt helped carry the Junior Tall Blacks into the U19 World Cup.

PHILIPPINES over BAHRAIN, 67-52

They had to endure some scary moments, but the Philippines eventually got the job done and prevailed to book its seat at the 2019 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. Bahrain's speed and physicality gave the Filipinos a tough time, especially in the first half, but the SEABA champs righted the ship in the last two periods to turn an 8-point half-time deficit into a double-digit margin by game's end. AJ Edu was all over the place again with 16 points, 17 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while forntcourt partner Kai Sotto added 21 points, 10 boards, and 3 rejections. Reserve guard Miguel Oczon also provided steady minutes with 10 points and 2 triples. Bahrain relied on Baqer Ali and Rashed Awadh in this game, both of whom combined for 26 points.

AJ Edu's star continued to shine brightly for Batang Gilas.

Kai Sotto had his finest performance of the tournament today.

Karim Aboukuora and the Bahrainis gave the Filipinos a scare in this match.

AUSTRALIA over JAPAN, 88-52

Australia remained unbeaten after thumping Japan in the Quarter-Finals and punching its own ticket to the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.The Emus showcased elite rebounding and playmaking in their mastery of the Japanese, who groped for form against the bigger and more skilled Aussies. Kyle Bowen was Australia's top performer with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Sam Froling put up 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Keisei Tominaga had 16 points to lead Japan.

Nobody could stop Sam Froling in the Quarter-Finals.

Keisei Tominaga and the Japanese fell way short of their target.

Tyler Robertson and the Emus are on their way to their first U18 Asia Semi-Finals.

CHINA over KOREA, 90-85

Day 5 saved the best for last. East Asia rivals Korea and China went at it head-on, and it was treat for Asian hoop nuts everywhere. They battled through 7 lead changes throughout the contest, with the Chinese ultimately proving steadier in crunch time. China utilized their size advantage to the hilt, outrebounding Korea, 59-36, and outscoring them in the paint, 44-38. The Koreans tried to compensate with pesky defense that forced 19 Chinese turnovers, but they fell short of the Semi-Finals and the FIBA U19 World Cup. Lee HyunJung's 33 points went down the drain for Korea, which lost its first game of the tournament. China's Guo Haowen matched Lee's offense with 33 points of his own, while Michael Wang was dominant with a monster stat-line of 20 points, 23 rebounds, and 6 assists. 

Guo Haowen was relentless in attacking the basket against Korea.

Lee HyunJung tried his darnedest to tow Korea into the next round.

Michael Wang and the Chinese have a lot of momentum heading into the Semis.

Day 4's Best Players:
AJ Edu (PHI) - 16pts, 17rebs, 3asts, 2stls 2blks
Lee HyunJung (KOR) - 33pts, 10rebs, 6asts, 4stls 
Kyle Bowen (AUS) - 22pts, 13rebs, 11/12 FGs
Guo Haowen (CHN) - 33pts, 8rebs, 4asts, 2stls
James Moors (NZL) - 26pts, 14rebs

Semi-Finals Pairings:
New Zealand v China, winner advances to Final
Philippines v Australia, winner advances to Final

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#FIBAU18Asia 2018 Day 3 Recap: Iran, Korea, Philippines, and Australia roll to QFs!

Dave Ildefonso flexes as the Philippines catch a big fish on Day 3!

The first four Quarter-Finals teams were known after Day 3 at the 2018 FIBA U18 Asia Championship in Nonthaburi, Thailand. Iran, Korea, Philippines, and Australia all disposed of their respective foes at the end of group play to advance to the Final 8 and move a win away from the 2019 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.

INDONESIA over KAZAKHSTAN, 79-64

Indonesia sprung a wicked trap on Day 3 and pulled the rug from under Kazakhstan to finish third in Group A and advance to the Play-Off Round. Yesaya Michael stepped up big for Timnas Junior with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Ali Alhadar added 13 points and 9 boards. Nil Fomichyov was Kazakhstan's best player here with 14 points and 10 rebounds. 

Ali Alhadar grabs the rebound for Indonesia.

Dmitriy Romanenko struggles with his offense against Timnas Junior.

Yesaya Alessandro Michael was the hero for Indonesia on Day 3.

AUSTRALIA over NEW ZEALAND, 111-62

The first marquee matchup of the day turned into a big blowout in favor of the Emus, who rocketed to the top of Group C and will be waiting in the Quarter-Finals. The Junior Tall Blacks kept the game close for one whole quarter before the Aussies turned up the jets and broke the game open in the second period. Kyle Bowen notched 19 points and 9 rebounds for another strong showing even as Sam Froling also did well with 19 points and 11 boards of his own. They limited the Kiwis' top guns -- Flynn Cameron and Max Darling -- to a combined 15 points.

Isaiah Lee speeds pas the New Zealand defense.

Kiwi big man James Moors tries to evade the double-team.

Kody Stattmann drives around the Junior Tall Blacks.

IRAN over JAPAN, 71-64

This was a nip-and-tuck affair all throughout, but in the end, it was the defending champions who prevailed thanks to some clutch shooting. Behshad Arabzadeh was huge for Team Melli here with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks, while Eshagh Hatami and Ehsan Dalirzahan tossed in 13 and 10 points respectively. Japan put up a valiant stand but had no answer for Iran's size in the paint. Japan were outrebounded, 53-29. They were paced by 15 points from playmaker Takuto Nakamura. Iran qualify for the Quarter-Finals thanks to this win.

Behshad Arabzadeh was the top-scorer for Iran in this big win.

Takuto Nakamura's impressive showing was all for naught.

Ehsan Dalirzahan and the Iranians punched their way to the Quarter-Finals.

INDIA over SYRIA, 100-59

The hard-luck Indians finally broke through the win column here in Nonthaburi thanks to a fine drubbing of West Asia side Syria. The U18 Young Cagers started strong with a 27-13 first quarter performance and proceeded to cruise to only their first win of the biennial competition. Once again, high-scoring wingman Rajeev Kumar was at the forefront with 32 points and 7 steals. He was supported by 14 points from Princepal Singh and 11 each from Sejin Mathew and Harsh Tomar. On the other end, Ammar Al Ghamian was the only Syrian to score in double-digits with 15 points.

Center Princepal Singh rises for two of his 14 points.

Rajeev Kumar has been an offensive revelation for India.

The Syrians bid the tournament good bye after their third loss in a row.

LEBANON over UAE, 84-57

The Lebanese -- a Semi-Finals team in 2016 -- haven't had much success here in Nonthaburi, but they were able to earn their first victory after thrashing UAE to finish 3rd place in Group A. Alex Zanbaka led the way for the U18 Cedars with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Ameer Ksab recorded 19 points, 9 boards, and 4 blocked shots. The Emiratis, meanwhile, drew 15 points from Hassan Hussein, but they still finished winless after 3 matches and have been eliminated from contention.

Alex Zanbaka was terrific for Lebanon on Day 3.

Ameer Kasab had a dominant showing against UAE.

Shaher Alhammadi tries to get the loose ball.

BAHRAIN over THAILAND, 87-71

The host country had a lot of brilliant moments in this encounter, but in the end, they could not contend with the Bahrainis' superior rebounding and shooting. The GBA U18 champions shot 53% from the field, while the home team made just 33% of their own attempts, and this was compounded by a 45-37 rebounding edge in favor of Bahrain. Rashed Mustafa exploded with 33 points for the victors, while Muzamil Hamoda and Baqer Ali scored 14 and 12 respectively. Pongsakorn Jaimsawad paced Thailand with 26 points.

Ali Rashed tries to evade Thailand's perimeter D.

Mustafa Rashed slashes his way to the hole.

Pongsakorn Jaimsawad's 26 points went down the drain.

PHILIPPINES over CHINA, 73-63

The Philippines set out to make a lot of noise in this tournament, and they sure did on Day 3 when they upended 11-time champion China. Batang Gilas held the advantage for nearly the entire game here, even leading by as many as 18 points late in the third period, as they locked in the top spot in Group B and consequently, a berth in the Quarter-Finals, where they will face the winner between Taiwan and Bahrain. Not surprisingly, their twin tower combo of AJ Edu and Kai Sotto did wonders in this game, combining for 24 points, 24 rebounds, and 9 blocks. They outplayed their counterparts from China -- Michael Wang and Jiang Haoran, who finished with 27 points and 18 boards but only 1 block. The backcourt also stepped up big for the Filipinos, with Dave Ildefonso tallying 18 points and the duo of Dalph Panopio and Miguel Oczon pairing up for 23.

The Pinoys' twin towers continued their outstanding run in the competition.

Michael Wang struggled with foul trouble throughout the game.

Miguel Oczon remained a solid contributor for Batang Gilas.

KOREA over CHINESE TAIPEI, 97-86

Korea were expected to have smooth sailing against Chinese Taipei, but the latter had other plans, unleashing a searing endgame rally that nearly turned the tables on their East Asia rivals. Despite that, Korea survived and will await the China-Indonesia victor in the Quarter-Finals. Back-up guard Park Moo-Been shone brightly here with 25 points on the back of 4 triples, while Lee HyunJung added 26 points, 13 boards, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. Big man Yeo JunSeok also did well with 18 points and 14 rebounds, canceling out the splendid production of Taiwanese slotman Jonah Morrison, who notched 21 points, 15 boards, and 3 rejections. Ma Chien-Hao was also a force for Taiwan with 25 points in the losing effort.

Jonah Morrison sparked a late rally that fell short.

Park MooBeen picked a great time to catch fire for Korea.

Yeo JunSeok was excellent in the frontline for the Koreans.

Day 3's Best Players:

Rajeev Kumar (IND) - 32pts, 4rebs, 5asts, 7stls
Alex Zanbaka (LBN) - 21pts, 14rebs, 2asts,
Mustafa Rashed (BRN) - 33pts, 4rebs, 4asts, 4stls, 
Kyle Bowen (AUS) - 19pts, 9rebs
Jonah Morrison (TPE) - 21pts, 15rebs, 2stls, 3blks

Day 4 Play-Off Round Pairings:

China v Indonesia -- winner faces Korea.
Japan v Lebanon -- winner faces Australia.
New Zealand v India -- winner faces Iran.
Chinese Taipei v Bahrain -- winner faces Philippines. 

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