Quarter-Final Preview: Passion on display as Philippines clash with Lebanon

CHANGSHA-HUNAN (2015 FIBA Asia Championship) - The Philippines and Lebanon are two of the most intense basketball nations in Asia, and their Quarter-Finals clash at the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship promises to be a memorable one.

Both countries have had illustrious track records in the competition, but neither has been able to bag the title in recent memory. The Philippines have made tournament headlines twice already, losing to Palestine on Day 1 and then trouncing Iran five days later. Lebanon, meanwhile, are smarting from the injury of star forward Ahmad Ibrahim but have still managed to break into the Final Eight.

Philippines' Outlook: The Filipinos are riding high on a five-game winning streak and have definitely looked very dangerous after beating Iran and then crushing India. Andray Blatche, of course, is a match-up nightmare, while the likes of Jayson Castro and Terrence Romeo have taken turns schooling opposing teams' guards. Head coach Tab Baldwin's bench, however, has been a little inconsistent, so that will be a concern.

Lebanon's Outlook: Even without a lot of key players, Lebanon have looked good. Losing to Korea and China in the second round didn't help, but getting the critical victory over Jordan on Day 6 should enable coach Veselin Matic's side to regain a lot of confidence. Jay Youngblood is the one to watch but three-point specialist Amir Saoud and big man Ali Haidar cannot be overlooked.

Key Match-Up: Jayson Castro is expected to put up big numbers in this game and it will be up to up-and-coming point guard Wael Arakji to try and stop him. Arakji has the edge in size but Castro's quickness and savvy should make the youngster really put in a lot of work. If Castro get his game going the way he did against Iran, the Philippines have a very good chance to go through.

FIBA