India to be SABA's sole representative at FIBA Asia Cup 2017

MALE, MALDIVES (SABA Championship 2017) - India on Tuesday secured their sub-zone's sole qualifying slot for the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 after completing a sweep of the SABA Championship 2017.

India handily defeated Nepal, 90-44, for their fourth win in as many games at the tournament, bookending a dominant run that saw them beat opponents by an average of 46.5 points per game. As has been the case throughout the competition, the dynamic duo of Amritpal Singh and Vishesh Bhriguvanshi proved to be unstoppable for the Indians as they methodically dismantled Nepal's defensive efforts. They effectively propelled India to a five-peat championship streak in SABA.

Nepal were outmatched from the beginning, heading into this contest winners of just one game out of their first three. They were undersized and noticeably short on talent compared to India, and it showed in every aspect of the match.

Bangladesh finished second overall behind India, while Sri Lanka also stood on the podium after finishing at third place.

This result makes India join the lineup of qualified teams for the FIBA Asia Cup 2017, which already includes recent SEABA kings the Philippines, Gulf champions Qatar, West Asia teams Iran, Jordan, Syria and Iraq, Oceania squads Australia and New Zealand and hosts Lebanon. They also officially join the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, which begin in November.

FIBA