Iran, China, Palestine close Prelim Round with unblemished records

CHANGSHA-HUNAN (2015 FIBA Asia Championship) - Chinese Taipei suffered only frustration on the first two days of the FIBA Asia Championship with defeats to Lebanon and Kazakhstan, results that eliminated them from contention for a spot in the next round.

On Friday, the team had only pride to play for and that proved to be enough as they rebounded with a victory over previously unbeaten Qatar, a team that had already clinched first place in Group D.

Chih-Chieh Lin scored 14 points and Quincy Davis III had 13 points and 10 rebounds for Chinese Taipei, who will now set out to impress in the Classification Round and finish as high as possible in the standings. 

Lebanon endured the heartbreak of a double-overtime setback to Qatar on Thursday but they hit right back and claimed a 91-55 triumph over Kazakhstan on Friday night to wrap up second place in Group D.

Jasmon Youngblood had 30 points and eight rebounds to lead the Lebanese, who took command of the game when they outscored Kazakhstan, 26-8, in the second quarter and took a 41-24 lead to half-time.

With point guard Jerry Johnson sitting out most of the game to rest a minor muscle strain, Kazakhstan lacked a floor general and finished third.

In Group B, Palestine eased to their third straight victory in their first-ever participation at a FIBA Asia Championship, beating Hong Kong, 85-79.

Jerry Steele's team, after an upset of the Philippines on Day 1 and a comprehensive victory over Kuwait on Thursday, led from start to finish and led by as many as 23 points.

Imad Qahwash finished with a game-high 24 points for Palestine, whose Jamal Abu Shamala stayed red hot from long range by making four of seven attempts.

Hong Kong still progressed in the tournament as the third-place team in Group B.

Earlier in the day in Group B, the Philippines blew out Kuwait, 110-64.

Kuwait trailed, 11-10, in the middle of the first quarter when coach Tab Baldwin’s squad went on a run to take control of the game.

The Filipinos continued to cruise and secured their ticket to the next round where Iran, Japan and India will be their opponents.

Jayson Castro was the main spark in the first half for Gilas, who finished second to Palestine.

An all-tournament team selection two years ago in Manila, Castro finished with 16 points.

The Philippines' 42-year-old Asi Taulava, the tournament’s oldest player, had nine points and 10 rebounds.

Iran lowered the boom on Malaysia, 122-42, to complete a Group A sweep.

Iran outscored Malaysia, 35-5, in the first quarter. As expected, the bigger and more experienced Iranians dominated proceedings in every possible way. 

Six Iranians scored in double-figures, led by Mohammad Hassanzadeh’s 28 points.

Joji Takeuchi and Japan trounced India, 83-65, to book their second triumph in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.

India went in front by 11 points early were up in the second period up, 18-15.

Japan then raced ahead with Takeuchi and Makoto Hiejima doing the damage.

Takeuchi led the way with 22 points, while Hiejima added 19 points and six assists. Takatoshi Furukawa buried three shots from the arc en route to 15 points and Yuta Tabuse did well with 10 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and three steals.

In Group C, China wrapped up first place in Group C with an 84-67 victory over Jordan.

Twenty-four hours after their 76-73 come-from-behind triumph over Korea, the Chinese broke open a tight game late in the first half and stormed to the win.

Yi Jianlian, who had 26 points and 14 rebounds, turned on the style with his best performance for China so far at the tournament while Zaid Abbas finished with 22 points in defeat.

Korea finished second in Group C by returning to the win column and demolishing Singapore, 87-45.

FIBA