POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Kosuke Kanamaru
Group G
Mongolia - Japan 70-96
Japan coasted past Mongolia to gain the second victory in Group G. Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) and Joji Takeuchi (207-F/C-85, agency: N.E.T.) stepped up with 23 points each to lead the winners as they advanced into the semifinal stage. Japan unloaded 49 points in the first half to build a 13-point halftime lead. Japan outgunned Mongolia in the second half to seal a well-deserved victory at the end. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) added 18 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Sanchir Tungalag (190-G-89) responded with 26 points for Mongolia.
Iran - China 66-52
Iran outgunned China to remain undefeated in Incheon. Mohammad Samad Nikkhah Bahrami (199-F-83) came back into the line up to scored 14 points and issue 7 assists for the winners. Iran built a 35:26 halftime lead. They extended their lead to 12 points at the final intermission and never looked back en route to the victory. Iran advanced into the semifinal stage leaving China outside the title race. Haddadi Hamed (218-C-85) tallied 7 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Wang Zhelin (215-PF-94) and Zhou Qi (217-C-96) responded with 10 points each for China.
Group H
South Korea - Qatar 65-58
South Korea beat Qatar to eliminate them from the title race. Kim Sun-Hyung (187-G-88) came up with 13 points to lead South Korea to the third straight victory at the tournament. Qatar gained a 17:12 lead after the first frame. But South Korea denied the deficit and pulled ahead for a 4-point lead heading into the fourth frame. The hosts held Qatar to just 13 points in the final stanza to seal the victory. Oh Sek-Eun (200-C-87) and Kim Jong-Kyu (207-C-91) delivered 12 points each for South Korea. Daoud Mousa (193-G-82) responded with 16 points for Qatar.
Philippines - Kazakhstan 67-65
Philippines snatched narrow victory over Kazakhstan but failed to advance into the semifinals stage. Kazakhstan became the lucky team clinching the second position in a highly contestant Group H. Marcus Douthit (210-C/F-80, college: Providence) provided 18 points and 14 rebounds to lead Philippines to the victory. Jimmy Alapag (180-PG-77, college: CS San Bernar.) added 11 points for the winners. Pavel Ilin (196-G-92) responded with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for Kazakhstan. Anatoly Kolesnikov (200-G/F-88, agency: Priority Sports, college: Nicholls St.) had 15 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
