#FIBAAsiaCup2017 Roundup Day 8

Images from FIBA.basketball.

The cast of the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup Quarter-Finals is finally complete after China andJordan secured separate wins on Day 8. Check out all the recaps and highlights from FIBA.com below. 

CHINA over SYRIA, 81-79
Box Scores.

China survived a serious scare from Syria, coming back from as many as fifteen down to prevail 81-79 on Tuesday evening.

It means China advance to play Australia on Thursday in the Quarter-Finals.

China breathed a sigh of relief when Syria's Al Haddad missed two free throws which would have forced overtime, having dominated the fourth quarter 25-11 after appearing down and out following an impressive early display from the Syrian side.

Micheal Madanly did all he could to give Syria a chance, finishing with 35 points and 7 assists, but it would not be enough.

A 10-2 start to the final period got China back into the game, before a Ren three pointer broke the tie to give China a three point lead with 5 minutes remaining and from there they would pull away.

It marks the second time in as many games China have lived dangerously, preventing upsets with big fourth quarter performances.

Gen Li led China with 19 points, with Xiaoyu Liu having 7 assists to go with his 10 points.




JORDAN over IRAQ, 84-70
Box Scores.

Jordan rounded out the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 Quarter-Finalists with a 84-70 victory over Iraq.

It means Jordan will advance to face New Zealand on Thursday.

With neither team able to gain separation, a 14-4 Jordan run, spearheaded by Amin Abu Hawwas over the final 4 minutes of the third period put the victors up double digits and firmly in the driving seat.

They extended their lead to as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter and thwarted any attempts at a comeback from Iraq.

Mohammad Hussein had a monster double-double of 15 points and 19 rebounds to lead Jordan, whilst Mah'd Abdeen joined him with 18 points and 10 assists. Abu Hawwas added 18 points of his own, along with 4 rebounds and 5 assists.

Mohammed Al-Khafaji led Iraq's scoring with 21 points, as Kevin Galloway stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals.



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#FIBAAsiaCup2017 Roundup Day 6

Images from FIBA.basketball.

The results of Day 6 formalized the Qualification to the Quarter-Finals pairings at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, with Gilas Pilipinas's sweep of Group B the highlight of the day. Check out all the recaps and highlights from FIBA.com below. 

CHINA over IRAQ, 61-60
Box Scores.

China survived a scare to prevail with a 61-60 victory over Iraq to tip off Sunday's final Group Phase action.

With Iraq leading by 9 with just over four minutes remaining, the upset of the tournament appeared to be on, but China refused to go down without a fight.

Ailun Guo caught fire, scoring 10 of his 19 points in the final three minutes to see China through. Han was the only other player in double figures for China with 11.

Omar Alazawi led Iraq with 22 on 8 of 13 shooting, going six of seven from beyond the arc.




PHILIPPINES over TAIWAN, 80-74
Box Scores.

The Philippines topped Group B with a 80-74 win to hold off a relentless Qatar on Sunday afternoon.

Matthew Wright had 11 of his 25 points in the first quarter to get the Philippines off to the start they needed and hit huge baskets throughout, as his squad finished the Group Phase at 3-0.

The Philippines were hot from beyond the arc, knocking down nine of their fifteen triples in the first half in front of a raucous crowd to remain in control.

Qatar kept on fighting, led by Mansour Elhadary, and got back within five in the fourth but were unable to get over the hump, thanks in large part to the play of Wright.

Cruz added 13 points for the Philippines, whilst Elhadary had 23 points and 6 assists for Qatar, and Saad finished with 18.




IRAN over JORDAN, 83-71
Box Scores.

Iran prevailed 83-71 in the battle of the two undefeated teams in Group A.

Another near triple-double from Hamed Hadadi (17 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists), and Behnam Yakhchali's 20-point, 10-rebound double-double proved to be enough for Iran, who finish atop of Group A at 3-0.

Iran took a 43-26 lead into the break, pestering Jordan into 25% shooting, and led by as many as 22, as Jordan were chasing from the early stages.

Mahmoud Abdeen had 22 points and 9 assists to lead Jordan in the loss.




SYRIA over INDIA, 87-78
Box Scores.

Syria joined China in narrowly avoiding an upset with a 87-78 win over India in the final game of the Group Phase on Sunday evening.

Trailing by as many as nineteen early in the third quarter, Ivan Todorovic had 9 of his efficient 23 points in the period as Syria began mounting their comeback. 

Trailing by 8 to open the fourth, Micheal Madanly took over. He had 10 points in the final period, including six straight to give Syria the lead that they would hold on to for the victory.

Todorovic added 14 rebounds with his 23 points, and Madanly finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

Amritpal Singh did a little bit of everything for India with 17 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Amjyot Singh Gill had 12 points and 8 assists, Annadurai top scored with 20 points.

India finish up 0-3 at the bottom of Group A, as Syria picked up their first win at 1-2. They will play the Qualifications to Quarter-Finals on Tuesday.



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#FIBAAsiaCup2017 Roundup Day 4

Images from FIBA.basketball.

Day 4 at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup saw the Philippines, Iran, and Jordan remain unbeaten while China bounced back against Qatar. Check out all the recaps and highlights from FIBA.com below.

CHINA over QATAR, 92-67
Box Scores.

Ailun Guo had a dominant individual performance to lead China past Qatar 92-67 to open Friday's action.

Guo knocked down five three-pointers on his way to 30 points, adding 4 rebounds and 4 assists, as China picked up their first win after an opening defeat to the Philippines. It was not until the second half the Chinese pulled away for good, momentarily falling behind midway in the second quarter before regrouping.

Abdulrahman Saad and Ali Saeed Erfan were the high men for Qatar with 19 and 18 points, respectively. Qatar continue to look for their first win in Group A at the FIBA Asia Cup 2017. 




PHILIPPINES over IRAQ, 84-68
Box Scores.

Philippines recovered from a slow first half to defeat Iraq 84-68 with a dominant third period.

A 26-7 third quarter run, whilst limiting Kevin Galloway's effectiveness, saw Philippines get the cushion they need to stay perfect atop of Group B at 2-0. 

Christian Karl Standhardinger had 16 points and 7 rebounds for the Philippines, whilst Terrence Romeo added 17 points and 4 assists.

Galloway did his best efforts to keep Iraq in it, finishing with 23 points (15 in the first half), 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks, but it would not be enough. 




JORDAN over INDIA61-54
Box Scores.

Jordan improved to 2-0 with a 61-54 victory over a much-improved India side.

After a mauling at the hands of Iran in their opener, India bounced back and managed to hang with Jordan the entirety of the game, though ultimately were plagued by turnovers, as Jordan registered 12 steals on the game.

Alawadi had 22 on 9 of 17 shooting and Ahmad Alhamarsheh had 13 rebounds to go with his 8 points for Jordan.

India were led by 17 points from Amjyot Singh Gill and Aravind Annadurai's 6-point, 10-rebound, 2-block effort. 




IRAN over SYRIA, 87-63
Box Scores.

 Iran registered 29 assists on their way to a 87-63 victory over Syria to stay undefeated in Group A.

Hamed Hadadi continued to make his case for one of the best passing big men in the game, finishing one assist shy of a triple double with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists.

Syria struck first just 15 seconds into the game, but Mohammad Jamshidijafarabadi responded immediately with a three to give Iran a lead they would not relinquish the rest of the way, pulling away in the second period to extend their lead to 20 by halftime.

Jamshidijafarabadi provided additional support on the ball sharing front, adding 9 assists of his own to go with 16 points, whilst Behnam Yakhchali led the scoring with 25 points on 9 of 13 shooting.

Micheal Madanly led Syria, who dropped to 0-2, with 22 points.




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2017 FIBA ASIA CUP PREVIEW: GILAS PILIPINAS vs IRAQ

Image from FIBA.

*This first appeared on PBA.ph.

This is going to be a helluva physical and intense fight. Both PHI and IRQ came a way with wins yesterday on Day 2 of the Asia Cup, and this could very well be the game that will determine the frontrunner for the #1 spot in Group B. Getting a 2-0 slate after Day 4 will be huge, and it will give the successful team the inside track not only to the group's 1st place but also an automatic ticket to the QFs. 

The last time these two teams met was back in the 2017 Jones Cup in Taiwan where Gilas prevailed in a tense and physical affair, 84-75. That was a predominantly Cadets team that beat Iraq, though, and the Iraqis were still parading a different import, Demario Mayfield. Now they have the more seasoned and more aggressive Kevin Galloway, and that could spell trouble for the Filipinos. 

Both are coming off emotional wins yesterday. The internet almost broke with Gilas's stirring triumph over bitter rival China, while Iraq sprung a sizable upset when they defeated Qatar, which was reeling from not having the injured Sammy Monroe. Both squads are heading into this encounter with considerable momentum, and though Gilas is the favorite to win, they cannot sleep on this dangerous Iraqi quintet.

GILAS PILIPINAS roster
Terrence Romeo - 5'10 - G
Carl Cruz - 6'3 - F
Gabe Norwood - 6'5 - F
Jio Jalalon - 5'8 - G
Jayson Castro - 5'10 - G
Calvin Abueva - 6'2 - F
June Mar Fajardo - 6'10 - C
RR Pogoy - 6'0 - G
Raymond Almazan - 6'7 - C
Japeth Aguilar - 6'10 - F/C
Christian Standhardinger - 6'8 - F/C
Matthew Wright - 6'2 - G
Ave. Height - 6'3
Ave. Age - 28

IRAQ roster
Karrar Hamzah - 6'3 - G - Al Kahraba
Ali Al-Juboori - 5'9 - G - Al Mina
Hassan Abdullah - 6'3 - G - Al Kahraba
Omar Al-Azawi - 6'2 - G - Al Karkh
Kevin Galloway - 6'7 - F - Homenetmen
Ali Hamad - 6'4 - F - Al Nift
Nawres Dhafer - F - 6'8 - Al Shorta
Hussein Talib - 6'6 - F - Nift Al Janoub
Ali Hameed - 6'10 - Al Mina
Hussein Algburi - 6'9 - C
Mohammed Al-Khafaji - 6'9 - C - Al Shorta
Ali Ismael - 6'7 - F - Al Shorta
Ave. Height - 6'5
Ave. Age - 28


Game Notes:
1) PHI: SPEED KILLS
- Speed was a big weapon for Gilas against China. It's not that Gilas killed China with more fastbreak points, but more with how our guards broke down our defenders with our quickness and shiftiness. Jayson Castro and Terrence Romeo, in particular really shone, and they outplayed their Chinese counterparts. This will be crucial here as well, especially with playmaking not exactly Iraq's strongest suit. If Gilas's guards can get things going again, we can blow this game open.

Terrence Romeo - 26pts, 4asts, 1stl, 5 triples
Jayson Castro - 13pts, 3rebs, 7asts






2) PHI: THREE-POINT BARRAGE
- Gilas had speed and also had shooting. Gilas had one of its best shooting games in memory, hitting nearly 60% of their three-point tries. That's a valuable weapon for a team that sacrifices so much size in nearly every contest. Needless to say, if the Philippine shooters catch fire again here, Iraq will have an extremely difficult time.

Terrence Romeo - 5/7 3pts
Matthew Wright - 2/4 3pts
RR Pogoy - 1/2 3pts
Raymond Almazan - 1/1 3pts
Japeth Aguilar - 1/1 3pts
TEAM - 10/17 3pts, 58.8%

Last time vs IRQ:
7/21 3pts, 33.3%






3) PHI: PROTECT THIS HOUSE
- Interior defense was a concern for Gilas yesterday, especially with China's size, but coach Chot Reyes's thin frontline stepped up big time in terms of protecting the basket. Gilas had a total of 9 blocks yesterday, and that helped stifle the offensive flow of China. Against an Iraqi team with players who like to go strong to the basket (Galloway and Al Khafaji, in particular), rim protection will once again be a crucial aspect of the game.

Blocks last game:
PHI - 9blks
CHN - 4blks

Aguilar - 5blks
Norwood - 3blks
Pogoy - 1blk




4) PHI: SUPERB SUPPORTING CAST
- Aside from our speed and shooting, another x-factor in Gilas's win over China was the superb supporting cast. To be spcific, bench players RR Pogoy and Raymond Almazan came through with notable performances. Both players were aggressive and undaunted despite facing the mighty Chinese, and their production was critical in Gilas's victory. For Gilas to win again, their supporting cast needs to hold their own against Iraq.

vs China:
Pogoy - 9pts, 3/5 FGs, 1 triple, 6rebs, 2stls, 1blk 
Almazan - 9pts, 1reb, 1stl, 1triple


5) IRQ: HERE COMES KEVIN
- When Gilas beat Iraq in the Jones Cup, Kevin Galloway was not around. The versatile 6'7 naturalized player is back in tow now, though, and he will be a huge headache for the Filipinos. He is bigger than all of the Filipino wingmen and quicker than all of the Filipino bigs. He is a matchup nightmare, and he's the biggest reason Iraq finished among the top 4 in the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge. Galloway will most certainly make his presence felt in this game, and Gilas has to step up to hamper his production.

2016 Asia Challenge stats: 19.9ppg, 9.0rpg, 5.1apg, 1.9spg, 2.4 triples per game.
Previous game vs QAT: 16pts, 8rebs, 3asts, 3stls, 1blk, 2 triples.




6) IRQ: MIND THOSE SHOOTERS
- Gilas shot well against CHN, but IRQ also shot pretty well against QAT. This could very well be a shootout, but it would also be a very good idea for Gilas to put the clamps on Iraq's snipers. If guys like Karrar Hamzah, Hassan Abdullah and Ali Ismael wax hot, the Filipinos could be in for a real dogfight.

vs QAT:
Hamzah - 3 triples, 13pts
Abdullah - 3 triples, 13pts
Ismael - 2 triples, 10pts


7) IRQ: THE BIG BRUTE
- Gilas was able to contain "Chinese Shaq" Han Dejun last night, but they will once again have to do a yeoman's job in trying to contain top Iraqi center Mohamemd Al-Khafaji. Al-Khafaji is not as big as Han, but he is much more mobile. Al-Khafaji loves sliding down the backdoor, running in transition and rolling off screens to the basket. He is the perfect off-ball center, and he can make lazy defenders pay. 

vs QAT - 10pts, 3/8 FGs, 5rebs, 1stl, 1blk.
vs PHI (Jones Cup) - 7pts, 3rebs.


8) PHI: WHO WILL BE TOSSED?
- It seems like in nearly every Gilas game, we have a couple of guys in danger of being ejected. Against CHN, Calvin Abueva got the boot for a disqualifying foul. In our last game against IRQ, it was Christian Standhardinger who got tossed because of 2 technical fouls. Who will it be this time? I hope nobody gets tossed because we will need all the warm bodies we can have to play and contribute on the floor.


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#FIBAAsiaCup2017 Roundup Day 2

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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All Roads Lead to Manila: Lebanon and Jordan Qualify, Book Tickets to 27th FIBA Asia Men’s Championships!

The 2013 West Asia Basketball Association (WABA) Men’s Championships, which served as the qualifying tournament for the 2013 FIBA Asia Men’s Championships in Manila, just ended and the top three teams after the three-day competition were Iran (Champions), Lebanon, and Jordan.

This tournament had two slots to the Manila tourney at stake, but because Iran already gained entry by winning last year’s FIBA Asia Cup, Lebanon and Jordan were awarded the two other WABA slots to the biennial meet.

Samad Nikkhah Bahrami accepts the trophy as
Iran bags the 2013 WABA crown.

In the final day of hoop wars, Iran defeated Lebanon in overtime thanks to the superb performance of ever-improving big man Asghar Kardoust. Kardoust, who usually plays behind Toronto Raptors center Hamed Haddadi, continues to show the vast improvement first seen during Iran’s conquest of the FIBA Asia Cup in Tokyo last year. Kardoust scored 16 points against Jordan on Day 1 and poured in 22 against the Lebanese on Day 3, including 10 in the extra session. On Day 2. Kardoust played sparingly against Iraq, scoring 4 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in under 15 minutes of action. Kardoust should be a big problem for any team Iran will face in Manila this coming August.