Lebanon return to winning ways with blowout of Kazakhstan

CHANGSHA-HUNAN (2015 FIBA Asia Championship) - Lebanon suffered double-overtime agony on Thursday against Qatar but 24 hours is a long time in basketball and they proved it by rolling to a 91-55 triumph over Kazakhstan on Friday night.

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.

Turning point: Kazakhstan led 16-15 at the end of the first quarter but Lebanon turned the game on its head in the next frame when restricting their opponents to just eight points. The decision to rest Kazakhstan guard Jerry Johnson for the majority of the game because of a minor muscle strain he picked up on Thursday also hurt their cause.

Stats Don't Lie: Lebanon got plenty of high-percentage shots and finished with 46 points in the paint to just 12 for Kazakhstan.

Game Hero: Jasmon Youngblood was 12 of 18 from the floor and three of five from behind the arc for Lebanon, who finished second in Group D behind Qatar and ahead of Kazakhstan.

The Bottom Line: Lebanon proved they are a very good team by hitting right back and winning convincingly on Friday after a painful setback to Qatar. Thursday's loss, in fact, may end up being a blessing for Veselin Matic's team, especially if it sharpened the focus of Lebanon for the remainder of the tournament. Kazakhstan had already punched their ticket to the next round before Friday so the loss to Lebanon will not set alarm bells ringing. With point guard Jerry Johnson playing less than 13 minutes and scoring only two points, the team lacked its floor general. His return is a must for Kazakhstan to have any success.

FIBA