South Korea celebrate title in Tehran

FINAL

South Korea - Japan 77-73
South Korea topped Japan to celebrate the trophy in Tehran. Japan eked out a narrow 46-44 halftime lead. They held South Korea to just 15 points in the third term to open a 5-point advantage. But South Korea answered with a strong 18-9 run in the fourth frame to snatch the victory and claim the first U18 Asian crown since 2000. Lee Juyeong (2004) posted 28 points, while Lee Haesol (2004) added 12 points for the champions. Hayato Wakugawa (194-SF-2004) replied with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for Japan. Kaisei Hoshikawa (193-SF-2004) chipped in 14 points in the loss.

Places 3-4

China - Lebanon 85-68
China claimed the third position in Tehran. They overcame Lebanon in the Bronze medals game. Liu Lijia (206-C-2004) came up with 22 points for the winners. Lebanon grabbed a 25-20 lead after ten minutes of action. But China ignited a 46-19 response in the next two periods to surge ahead for good. Yang Hansen (2005) had 21 points and 13 rebounds for the winning side. Karim Rtail (198-F-2004) answered with 21 points for Lebanon.

Places 5-6

Iran - Philippines 89-72
Iran clinched the fifth position as they overcame Philippines in Tehran. The hosts used a 25-13 run in the second period to open a 13-point halftime lead. Iran extended the margin at 20-point mark at the final break and never looked back en route to the victory. Five players scored in double digits for the hosts. Matyar Ahmadpour (180-SG-2004) and Mohammad Amini (192-G-2005, agency: BIG) notched 19 points each for Iran. Mason Amos (201-C-2004) answered with 22 points for Philippines.

Places 7-8

Qatar - Taiwan 71-93
Taiwan earned the seventh place in Iran as they beat Qatar in the final game at the tournament. Qatar eked out a 41-38 halftime lead. But Taiwan went on a massive 55-30 run in the second half to ease to the victory. Yeh Wei-Chieh (2005) connected for 23 points, while Chun-Cheng Chang added 20 points and 11 assists for Taiwan. Qatar responded with 24 points and 9 rebounds from Hamad Mousa (194-F-2006).



Tags : JUYEONG LEE, ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS UNDER 18 BASKETBALL