Magic Brownlee just in time to lift Gilas, set to face Jordan for Asian Games gold

HANGZHOU (China) - Justin Brownlee takes over in the clutch as the Philippines upset hosts China on their way to a clash against Jordan in the Final following their Semi-Finals wins.

Key Storylines

-Jordan beat Chinese Taipei to make first gold medal game
-Hosts China upset by Philippines, Gilas gets shot at first Asian Games gold in over 60 years
-Saudi Arabia guaranteed for best ever final standing at Asian Games with win
-Iran to play for 5th after victory over Korea

Recap

Classification Games

Iran salvaged a victory coming off a tough loss to beat Korea 89-82 in the opening classification game. They actually fell behind early in the game by as much as 8 points, but will their way back with a balanced attack to get the victory. Five players scored in double-digits for Iran, this time led by Sajjad Mashayekhi who also had 7 rebounds and 3 assists.

Another team to rebound from a Quarter-Finals loss was Saudi Arabia who defeated Japan, 79-74. Saudi Arabia had a strong second quarter and took control the rest of the way led by Mohammed Alsuwailem who had 24 points, 21 rebounds, and 3 blocks. They are now guaranteed their best ever final standing in the Asian Games - previously 7th place in 1994.

Semi-Finals

The first team to reach the Final was Jordan who halted Chinese Taipei's spirited run, 90-71. The last time these two teams played against each other in the FIBA Asia Cup, Jordan were able to come away with a win on a game-winning buzzer-beater by Freddy Ibrahim.

 

They would not need such heroics this time around, though Ibrahim did put up a solid 14-point, 6-assist performance. Jordan claimed the lead in the first quarter and ran away with it to the end, building up a lead as big as 30 points at point in the game. Their five starters all scored over 12 points with Rondae Hollis Jefferson leading the pack with 20.

 

The Philippines roared back from a massive deficit to upset hosts China, 77-76, to reach the goal medal game.

 

China had built up a lead of as large as 20 points and were up 76-67 with three minutes left in the game after a perfect pick-and-roll ran by Zhao Jiwei and Hu Jinqiu. From there, it was the Justin Brownlee show. The star scorer scored the Philippines last eight points in the 10-0 run, including two three-pointers with intense pressure focused entirely on him. He finished the game with 33 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, but his statistical output understates his overall impact on this game.

The victory puts the Philippines in their first gold medal game since 1990 with a chance for their first Asian Games gold medal since 1962. They will be facing Jordan who are playing in their first gold medal game ever in their history playing in the competition.

Upcoming Games

5 October

Women's Basketball

Bronze Medal Game

DPR Korea vs Korea 16:00 (GMT +8)

Gold Medal Game

China vs Japan 20:00 (GMT +8)

6 October

Men's Basketball

Finals Rank 7/8

Korea vs Japan 12:00 (GMT +8)

Finals Rank 5/6

Iran vs Saudi Arabia 16:00 (GMT +8)

Bronze Medal Game

Chinese Taipei vs China 16:00 (GMT +8)

Gold Medal Game

Jordan vs Philippines 20:00 (GMT +8)

FIBA