Must-watch marquee matchups at FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2019

BANGKOK (Thailand) - Over the course of 6 days at the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2019 from September 24-29, there will be an exciting stream of games for Asian basketball fans to witness. The battle for the throne as the best club in Asia will be intense, so it would be best to not miss a single second of action at Stadium29, Thailand.

Of all the games to be played in Thailand at this competition, here are some that you probably wouldn’t want to miss during the Group Phase.

Naft Abadan vs Muharraq

September 24
13:00 PM (GMT +7)

It’s the very first game of the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2019, you certainly don't want to miss that.

 

Muharraq’s last run at the Asia Champions Cup was just a little over 10 years ago in 2008. They feel just short of making it to the Semi-finals that time, but will get another chance at breaking through to be among the elite Asian clubs this year.

Their first opponent, however, will be a tough one in Naft Abadan. The champions from Iran will also be ready to show their strengths, especially in the first game of the tournament, just to make a strong impression.

 

Hitech Bangkok City vs Fubon Braves

September 24
18:00 PM (GMT +7)

The last time the Fubon Braves were in Thailand for the East Asia Qualifiers, they came back from down by as much as 15 points to break the hearts of hosts Hitech Bangkok City, 77-76. It was an intense game from start to finish and Asia Champions Cup fans will get to see a rematch of that action immediately on the first day.

 

The talent level that both Hitech and Fubon brings to the table should already make for an entertaining game, but the history between the two teams makes it a must-watch.

Alvark Tokyo vs Hyundai Mobis

September 26
13:00 PM (GMT +7)

The draw of interest for the FIBA Asia Champions Cup is that it sets the stage for the best of the best in Asia to go up against each other. This is one of those dream matchups, where two of the most successful teams in their respective leagues go up against each other.

 

Alvark Tokyo are back-to-back B.League champions, Asia Champions Cup 2018 runners up, and regularly boasts a line up filled with national team studs. Mobis are also on top of the KBL’s all-time list in championships won, their recent title bringing to total to 7.

 

These two league powerhouses have been dominant in their respective leagues for a while, but here they get the chance to settle the score against each other for the first time at the Asia Champions Cup.

Al-Riyadi vs Guangdong Southern Tigers

September 26
20:30 PM (GMT +7)

It’s another clash of titans in the final game of the Group Phase. 15-time champions Al-Riyadi will be set to face 9-time CBA title holders Guangdong. Both teams lead their leagues in titles won as well, but there might be a little bit more fuel to this fiery clash about to happen.

RIyadi played against another club from China (China Kashgar) in consecutive years in the championship game of the FIBA Asia Champions Cup in 2016 and 2017. The two teams swapped turns at hoisting the trophy with Riyadi winning the more recent edition.

(Wael Arakji, FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2017)

Will Riyadi or Guangdong end up as the eventual champions of this year’s Asia Champions Cup? Could this game be a preview of the title game?

Be sure to check out the full schedule of FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2019 on the website and get ready for some exciting action!

FIBA