Big comeback in overtime win by India sets up clash for 5th against Korea

DOHA (Qatar) - India win an intense overtime clash to join Korea as winners in today’s classification games of the FIBA U16 Asian Championship 2022.

The two teams will play against each other tomorrow  for 5th place in the Final Standings. Meanwhile, Philippines and Iran will play for 7th place.

In a youth version of the famous Asia basketball rivalry, Korea were able to beat the Philippines, 88-77.

Korea led for the rest of the way after going off for a 9-0 run in the first quarter, despite many comeback attempts from their opponents. Even after suffering a stretch of nearly 4 minutes without a single point, Korea were still able to hang on to the win.

Both teams shot the ball well, though the Philippines 41.3 percent shooting could not match Korea’s 52.8 percent clip. It was especially from long range that Korea did their damage, as they made 10 three-pointers on only 21 attempts.

Lee YuJin had a perfect game for Korea, scoring 17 points without missing a single shot, including three three-pointers. He also chipped in 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and did not commit a single turnover. Ku MingYo had another good game for Korea with 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists.

For the Philippines, Jared Bahay continues to impress, this game putting up 25 points and 9 assists while going perfect from the free-throw line on 13 attempts.

In the second game of the day, India claimed a massive victory by beating Iran, 83-78, in overtime.

India had trailed by as much as a whopping 22 points in the first half but kept chipping away at the lead. After tying the game early in the fourth quarter, India found themselves behind once again and had to quickly catchup.

With 30 seconds left on the clock, Kushal Singh grabbed a touch offensive rebounds and quickly put the ball back in the basket to tie the game at 70, eventually forcing the game into overtime.

From there, India completely controlled the momentum of the game and took over in the extra period to win.

Lokendra Singh had another explosive performance, collecting 15 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Backcourt partner Harsh Dagar led the team in scoring with 25 points while also getting 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Big man Kushal Singh added 19 points and rebounds.

The loss spoiled some great performances from Iran, most notably Mohammad Amini who had 27 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 steals. Meanwhile, big men Mohammadamin Khosravi and Seyed Amirali Mirjalalifilabi combined for 21 points and 25 rebounds.

India had already made history by advancing to the Quarter-Finals for their best U16 Asian Championship performance ever and can now clinch a 5th spot in the Final Standings when they go up against Korea tomorrow.

The Philippines and Iran will now play to leave Qatar with the best possible outcome left which is finishing at 7th place.

FIBA