First day of Asian Games basketball delivers 3 Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers previews

HANGZHOU (China) - There were no upsets so far in the first day of Men's basketball at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China according to the recently updated FIBA World Ranking presented by NIKE.

All higher-ranked teams scored victories, including some clashes that could serve as previews for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers that will be tipping off early next year.

Key Storylines

- Korea, Chinese Taipei, China win in Asia Cup Qualifiers previews
- Iran avoid UAE upset bid
- World Cup 2023 teams Jordan, Philippines, Japan ease way to victories
- Saudi Arabia impress over Kazakhstan

Recap

Korea stars Heo Hoon (20 points, 7 assists) and Kim Jongkyu (19 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks) looked fresh as they handled an Indonesia side that were led by Yudha Saputera (15 points) with a score of 95-55.

 

As Korea were recently drawn into the same group as Indonesia for the Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Group A, it was among one of three games played today that can serve as Asia Cup Qualifiers previews.

China against Mongolia was another preview, with both teams being drawn in Group C of the Asia Cup Qualifiers. In this clash, China took care of Mongolia, 89-50, with Zhang Zhenlin leading the way with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

The last of Asia Cup Qualifiers previews was a matchup between Group B teams which saw Chinese Taipei defeat Hong Kong, China 81-62.

Jordan were another team that were able to claim a victory, beating Thailand 97-63. They returned many key pieces from their World Cup 2023 squad, including fan favorite Rondae Hollis Jefferson who recorded 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals.

 

Two other teams, Japan and Philippines, lined up some different players from the recent World Cup, but were able to secure big wins nonetheless.

 

The Philippines beat Bahrain, 89-61, with 14 points from Justin Brownlee, while Japan defeated Qatar 95-63.

 

Iran, another World Cup team, had trouble shaking off a feisty UAE team that held the lead at halftime. In the end, Iran were able to shut their opponents down in the second half, holding UAE to only 13 points in the last two quarters to come away with an 81-57 win.

 

Saudi Arabia (66th ranked team according to FIBA World Ranking) and Kazakhstan (68th ranked team according to FIBA World Ranking) battled in the game with the smallest gap in terms of ranking between the two teams in this first day. That didn't matter to Saudi Arabia as they ran away with an 86-62 victory.

 

Upcoming Games (27 September)

Women's Basketball

Korea vs Thailand 13:30 (GMT +8)
Chinese Taipei vs DPR Korea 13:30 (GMT +8)
Japan vs Hong Kong, China 17:30 (GMT +8)
Philippines vs Kazakhstan 17:30 (GMT +8)
China vs Mongolia 20:00 (GMT +8)
India vs Indonesia 20:00 (GMT +8)

FIBA