China Kashgar thwart BC Astana to book first Final seat

CHENZHOU (FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2017) - The defending champions are still alive in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2017 after a late surge propelled them past BC Astana, 79-70.

The Kazakhs led and dictated the tempo for most of the way in this encounter until the hosts turned up the pressure in the fourth period. Tight defense from the defending champions limited Astana to only 2 field goals made in the last ten minutes of play, while the Chinese themselves shot 8-of 14 from the floor in the same span. That was enough for China Kashgar to overhaul their deficit and steal the game.

Darius Adams and Justin Carter engaged in a shootout in this game, but it was the former who had the last laugh. Adams was ultra efficient again, scoring 27 points on top of 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 4 triples. Carter was not too shabby as well, putting up 26 points with 7 boards, 2 steals, 2 blocks and 2 three-pointers.

Adams, however, got a bit more help, with Yu Changdong, Makan Kelanbaike and Mugedaer Xirelijiang all scoring in double-figures. On the other side, only Anthony Clemmons scored in double-digits outside of Carter with 22 points. Andray Blatche played sparingly again, notching 4 points in only 6 minutes of action.

The Chinese play the waiting game for the winner of the Al Riyadi vs Petrochimi Semi-Final, while BC Astana will play for third place tomorrow.

FIBA