Iran - Australia 56-79 Australia celebrated FIBA Asia Cup title. They fired past Iran in the championship game in Beirut tonight. Brad Newley (199-F/G-85, agency: BeoBasket) scored 18 points to lead the Boomers. Australia posted an 18:14 lead ten minutes into the game. The Boomers followed with a 25:12 run in the second term to take a 17-point halftime lead. Iran pulled within 13 points at the final intermission. But Australia regained control in the fourth frame. They went on a 23:13 run to capture the trophy. Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) produced 14 points, while Mitch Creek (195-F/G-92) added 12 points for the champions. Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) replied with 18 points and 7 rebounds for Iran. Behnam Yakhchali (196-SG-95) netted 10 points in the defeat.
3-4 Place
New Zealand - South Korea 71-80 South Korea clinched Bronze medals in Beirut. They toppled New Zealand in the consolation final. Heo Ung (183-G-93) delivered 20 points to lead the winners. South Korea accumulated a 44:31 halftime lead. New Zealand narrowed the distance in the second half but could not threaten their opponents as the Korean team stepped onto the pedestal. Oh Sek-Eun (200-C-87) and Joon-Young Choi (200-SG-94) delivered 14 points each for the winners. Finn Delaney banked in 22 points and 7 rebounds for New Zealand.
5-6 Place
Lebanon - China 78-79 Wu Quanxi (210-C-94) drained a three-pointer and XiaoYu Liu (191-G-89) followed with a free throw as China nipped Lebanon in the battle for the fifth position at the tournament. China posted a 19:16 lead after ten minutes. Lebanon though grabbed a 39:34 halftime advantage. China regained control in the third term. They entered the fourth period up by 7 points. The hosts not only denied the deficit but secured a narrow lead late in regulation. But China sank four last points in the game and snatched the win. XiaoYu Liu, Han Dejun (215-C-89) and Qian Wu (190-G-94) netted 13 points each for the winners. Fadi El Khatib (198-F/G-79) replied with game-high 30 points and 8 rebounds for Lebanon.
7-8 Place
Philippines - Jordan 75-70 Philippines secured the 7th position in Beirut. They defeated Jordan in the final day at the tournament. Matthew Wright (193-G-91, college: St.Bonaventure) and Terrence Bill Romeo (180-PG-92) produced 13 points each to lead the charge. Philippines secured a 35:27 halftime lead. They maintained the advantage throughout the second half and rallied to the victory. Mousa Alawadi (188-G-85) delivered 21 points for Jordan.
New Zealand, Australia, Iran and South Korea enter semifinals in Beirut - Aug 17, 2017
New Zealand - Jordan 98-70 New Zealand overcame Jordan to seal their semifinal appearance. Shea Ili (184-G-92) scored 19 points and issued 13 assists to lead the Tall Blacks. New Zealand recorded a 21:12 lead after ten minutes. The Tall Blacks unloaded 29 points in the second term to ensure a 12-point halftime lead. Jordan cut the distance in the third term. They got as close as five points in the third term. But New Zealand unleashed 32 points in the fourth frame to ice the victory. Tohi Smith-Milner (206-F/C-95, college: Polk State CC) produced 19 points, while Finn Delany (198-F-95, college: SW Baptist) had 17 points and 9 boards in the victory. Mahmoud Abdeen (191-PG-87) replied with 24 points for Jordan.
Australia - China 97-71 Australia coasted past China into the semifinal stage in Beirut. Jason Cadee (186-G-91) tallied 20 points to lead the Boomers. Australia erupted for 45 points in the first half to ensure a 3-point halftime lead. They unloaded 52 points in the second half to ease to the victory. Mitch Creek (195-F/G-92) and Daniel Kickert (208-C/F-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) produced 16 points apiece in the win. Gen Li (196-F-88) answered with 19 points for China.
Iran - Lebanon 80-70 Iran rallied past hosting Lebanon in the quarterfinal clash in Beirut. Mohammad Jamshidi (199-SF-91) came up with 24 points to lead the winners. Iran pulled ahead early in the game. They recorded an 18:12 lead after ten minutes. Iran maintained the lead throughout the second frame. They ensured a 37:31 halftime lead. Iran used a 19:13 run in the third term to boost the gap at 12-point mark. They protected the advantage throughout the final period and eased to the victory. Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) netted 23 points and grabbed 20 boards for Iran. Wael Arakji (194-PG-94, agency: 24 Sec Basketball) notched 24 points for Lebanon.
Philippines - South Korea 86-118 South Korea became the first semifinalists in Beirut. They stormed past Philippines to stay in the title race. Oh Sek-Eun (200-C-87) scored 22 points to lead the winners. South Korea secured a 26:18 lead after ten minutes. They erupted for 31 points in the second frame to secure an 8-point halftime lead. South Korea stunned their opponents with a 29:13 run in the third term to clear off for good. Sun-Hyung Kim (187-G-88) chipped in 21 points for the winning side. Terrence Bill Romeo (180-PG-92) answered with 22 points for Philippines.
Review of Day 6 in Lebanon - Aug 13, 2017
Group A
Syria - India 87-78 Syria overcame India to clinch their playoff birth. Ivan Todorovic (214-C-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza) scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the winners as they finished third in Group A. India dominated in the first half. They grabbed a 51:35 halftime lead. But Syria turned things around in the second half. They went on a strong 52:27 run after the big break and secured the crucial victory. Michael Madanly (196-F) and Tarek Aljabi (181-PG-90) netted 18 points each in the win. Aravind Annadurai (200-PF-93) replied with 20 points for India.
Iran - Jordan 83-71 Iran earned the third straight win in Group A. They rallied past Jordan to remain perfect. Behnam Yakhchali (196-SG-95) scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the win. Iran established a 43:26 halftime lead. Jordan slowed their opponents down in the second half but could not overcome the deficit and had to surrender at the end. Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) netted 17 points, issued 9 assists and grabbed 7 rebounds for Iran. Mahmoud Abdeen (191-PG-87) answered with 22 points and 9 assists for Jordan.
Group B
Philippines - Qatar 80-74 Philippines recorded the third straight win in Lebanon. They held off Qatar to remain unbeaten. Matthew Wright (193-G-91, college: St.Bonaventure) provided 25 points to lead the charge. Philippines accumulated a 41:27 halftime lead. Qatar unloaded 47 points in the second half but could not overcome the deficit as Philippines marched to the win. Carl Bryan Cruz (193-PF-91) netted 13 points in the victory. Mansour El Hadary answered with 23 points and 6 assists for Qatar.
Iraq - China 60-61 China nipped Iraq to finish second in Group B. Ailun Guo (192-SF-93) scored 19 points to lead the winners. China eked out a 28:26 halftime lead. Iraq used a strong 20:10 run in the third term to secure an 8-point advantage heading into the final term. However China ignited a 23:14 run in the fourth period to snatch the win. Han Dejun (215-C-89) netted 11 points in the victory. Omar Alawazi replied with 22 points for Iraq.
Review of Day 5 in Lebanon - Aug 12, 2017
Group C
Kazakhstan - Lebanon 74-96 Lebanon claimed the second win in Group C. They stormed past Kazakhstan for 2-1 record. Wael Arakji (194-PG-94, agency: 24 Sec Basketball) scored 20 points to lead the hosts. Lebanon unleashed 56 points in the first half to post a 23-point lead. They never looked back in the second half marching to the win. Fadi El Khatib (198-F/G-79) had 18 points in the victory. Rustam Yargaliyev (195-G/F-86) netted 23 points for Kazakhstan.
South Korea - New Zealand 76-75 South Korea nipped New Zealand to clinch 2-1 record in Group C. Jong-Hyun Lee (206-C-94) produced 16 points to lead the winners. South Korea established a 41:30 halftime lead. The Tall Blacks used a 27:12 run in the third term to surge ahead. But South Korea bounced back with a 23:18 run in the final period to snatch the win. Oh Sek-Eun (200-C-87) had 13 points and 7 rebounds in the victory. Derone Raukawa (181-G-94) and Finn Delany (198-F-95, college: SW Baptist) posted 14 points each for the Tall Blacks.
Group D
Taiwan - Australia 50-90 Australia coasted past Taiwan to claim the third victory in Beirut. Mitch Creek (195-F/G-92) stepped up with 22 points for the Boomers. Australia accounted for a 45:23 halftime lead. They sank 45 points in the second half to race to the victory. Angus Brandt (208-C-89, college: Oregon St.) netted 12 points in the win. Cheng Liu (192-F-90) answered with 17 points for Taiwan.
Japan - Hong Kong 92-59 Japan finished second in Group D. They rallied past Hong Kong to improve at 2-1 record. Makoto Hiejima (190-G/F-90) scored 15 points to lead the winners. Japan got to a strong start. They recorded a 46:24 halftime lead. They maintained the advantage throughout the second half and rallied to the victory. Yudai Baba (193-SF-95), Daiki Tanaka (191-F-91) and Ryumo Ono (197-F/C-88) had 12 points each for the winners. Ki Lee (178-PG-87) replied with 20 points for Hong Kong.
Review of Day 4 in Lebanon - Aug 11, 2017
Group A
Syria - Iran 63-87 Iran breezed past Syria for the second consecutive win in Group A. Behnam Yakhchali (196-SG-95) recorded 25 points to lead the winners. Iran grabbed a 52:32 halftime lead. Iran held Syria to just 31 points in the second half to ease to the win. Mohammad Jamshidi (199-SF-91) tossed in 16 points and issued 9 assists for the Iranian side. Michael Madanly (196-F) had 22 points for Syria.
India - Jordan 54-61 Jordan posted the second consecutive win in Beirut. They defeated India in Group A action. Mousa Alawadi (188-G-85) scored 22 points to pace the winners. Jordan posted a 26:23 halftime lead. They extended the margin at 7-point mark heading into the fourth quarter. They never looked back afterwards marching to the victory. Mahmoud Abdeen (191-PG-87) netted 14 points for the winners. Amjyot Singh (203-F-92, agency: Octagon Europe) replied with 17 points for India.
Group B
Philippines - Iraq 84-68 Philippines outgunned Iraq to take the second straight win at the tournament. Terrence Bill Romeo (180-PG-92) posted 17 points in the victory. Iraq claimed a 19:17 lead after ten minutes. But Philippines used a 28:9 run in the third term to secure a 20-point lead. They protected the margin throughout the final term and rallied to the victory. Christian Standhardinger (206-F-89, college: Hawaii) had 16 points for the winners. Kevin Galloway (200-PG-88, college: Texas Southern) replied with 23 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists for Iraq.
Qatar - China 67-92 China bounced back from the starting loss and rallied past Qatar for the first win in Lebanon. Ailun Guo (192-SF-93) scored 30 points to lead the winners. China recorded a 44:36 halftime lead. They unloaded 33 points in the fourth term to rally to the victory. Gen Li (196-F-88) had 13 points in the win. Abdulrahman Saad (185-G/F-96) replied with 19 points for Qatar.
Gilas topples Iraq to take group top seed - Aug 11, 2017
Gilas Pilipinas (Philippines National Team) defeated a rugged Iraq, 84-68, to vault to the top of the standings in Group B seeding in the ongoing 2017 FIBA Asia Cup in Beirut, Lebanon.
Spitfire guard Terrence Romeo (180-PG-92) again provided the needed spark in the third canto exploding for 11 points that made Gilas pull away from a slim 32-31 halftime lead.
Gilas dropped a 24-4 run that took Iraq out of the game with only naturalized player Kevin Galloway (200-PG-88, college: Texas Southern), who finished with 23 markers, leading the charge in the first half.
The victory was a follow-up from the shocking upset win, a 96-87 conquest of Asian powerhouse China last August 9.
Romeo paced Gilas with 17 points riding on three triples, four assists, two rebounds and a steal.
Christian Standhardinger (206-F-89, college: Hawaii) added 16 markers and seven boards to negate its previous letdown against the same team in the recently concluded Jones Cup in Taipei.
Carl Bryan Cruz (193-PF-91) played his best game wearing the national colors by scoring 11 points with a 3-of-3 clip from the three-point line, three assists and two caroms.
Aris Ignacio is from the Philippines and has always been a big fan of Philippine basketball. Aris' follows the Philippine Basketball Association since the late 80's and has learned the history and personalities of the PBA. He also has interest with other basketball tournaments in the Philippines and beyond most specifically college basketball (UAAP, NCAA), the Asian Basketball League (ABL), FIBA Asia and World Cup tournaments. Follow Aris Ignacio on Twitter at aris_ignacio.
Review of Day 3 in Lebanon - Aug 10, 2017
Group C
New Zealand - Lebanon 86-82 New Zealand recorded the second straight win in Group C. They beat Lebanon to stay undefeated. Shea Ili (184-G-92) scored 22 points to pace the Tall Blacks. Lebanon jumped to a 23:19 lead after ten minutes. The Kiwis unloaded 48 points in the next two periods to take a 6-point lead at the final intermission. Lebanon cut the distance in the fourth term but could not avoid the loss. Reuben Te Rangi (198-F/G-94) and Tohi Smith had 15 points each in the victory. Fadi El Khatib (198-F/G-79) nailed 33 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists for Lebanon.
South Korea - Kazakhstan 116-55 South Korea fired past Kazakhstan to open win count in Lebanon. Seven players scored in double figures for the winners. Jong-Hyun Lee (206-C-94) produced 19 points to pace the effort. South Korea used a 32:11 run in the second term to take a 24-point halftime lead. South Korea unloaded 66 points in the second half to march to the victory. Sun-Hyung Kim (187-G-88) produced 15 points in the victory. Mikhail Yevstig delivered 19 points for Kazakhstan.
Group D
Australia - Hong Kong 99-58 Australia fired past Hong Kong to open 2-0 record in Group D. Todd Blanchfield (200-F/G-91) posted 18 points to lead the winners. Australia fired 56 points in the first half to take a 26-point halftime lead. The Boomers never looked back after the big break cruising to the victory. Mitch Creek (195-F/G-92) delivered 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Yi Ting Lo answered with 11 points for Hong Kong.
Taiwan - Japan 49-87 Japan registered the first victory at the championship. They thumped Taiwan in Group D. Takatoshi Furukawa (190-G/F-87) and Makoto Hiejima (190-G/F-90) scored 15 points each for the winners. Japan recorded a 40:22 halftime lead. They unloaded 47 points in the second half to cruise to the victory. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) had 12 points in the win. Yi-Hsiang Chou (190-G-91) responded with 15 points for Taiwan.
Review of Day 2 in Lebanon - Aug 9, 2017
Group A
Jordan - Syria 68-66 Jordan outscored Syria in the opening game in Lebanon. Mousa Alawadi (188-G-85) posted 16 points to lead the winners. Jordan jumped to a 28:12 lead after the opening frame. Syria narrowed the deficit in the next periods. They got within striking distance late in regulation but could not overcome the hurdle as Jordan secured the win. Ahmad Alhamarsheh (197-F-86) netted 12 points in the victory. Tarek Aljabi tossed in 25 points for Syria.
Iran - India 101-54 Iran opened win count in Lebanon. They stormed past India in Group A. Hamed Haddadi (218-C-85) scored 20 points and issued 8 assists for the winners. Iran established a 50:22 halftime lead. They sank 51 points in the second half and cruised to the win. Mohammad Jamshidi (199-SF-91) had 18 points in the victory. Amjyot Singh (203-F-92, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with 10 points for India.
Group B
Iraq - Qatar 75-66 Iraq held off Qatar to open win count in Group B. Kevin Galloway (200-PG-88, college: Texas Southern) tossed in 16 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead the effort. Iraq secured a 24:19 lead at the first break. They went on a 20:9 run in the third term to clear off for good. Karrar Hamzah (187-G/F-95) and Hassan Abdullah (190-G-94) netted 13 points each for the winners. Abdulrahman Saad (185-G/F-96) notched 23 points for Qatar.
China - Philippines 87-96 Philippines shocked China in FIBA Asia Cup opener for both teams. Terrence Bill Romeo (180-PG-92) posted 26 points to lead the Smart Gilas. Philippines dominated in the first half. They accounted for a 26:16 lead at the first break. Philippines poured in 27 points in the second term to take a 14-point halftime lead. China stepped on the gas in the third term. They sank 31 points in the quarter to pull within 6 points. But Philippines limited their opponents to just 17 points in the fourth frame and marched to the win. Christian Standhardinger (206-F-89, college: Hawaii) had 15 points in the victory. Ailun Guo (192-SF-93) replied with 18 points for China.
Review of Day 1 in Lebanon - Aug 8, 2017
Group C
Lebanon - South Korea 72-66 Lebanon outscored South Korea for the opening win at the tournament. Wael Arakji (194-PG-94, agency: 24 Sec Basketball) posted 22 points to pace the hosts. Lebanon accumulated a 40:31 halftime lead. They extended the margin at 13-point mark heading into the fourth frame. South Korea sank 25 points in the final stanza but could not avert the loss. Mohamad Haidar (201-F-90, college: Michigan Tech) and Fadi El Khatib (198-F/G-79) had 16 points each in the victory. Oh Sek-Eun (200-C-87) and Lim Dong (198-F-90) answered with 16 points each for South Korea.
Kazakhstan - New Zealand 49-70 Derone Raukawa (181-G-94) scored 17 points to lead New Zealand past Kazakhstan. New Zealand limited their opponents to just 22 points in the first half to secure a 7-point lead. The Tall Blacks nailed 25 points in the third term to take a 17-point advantage and never looked back en route to the win. Finn Delany (198-F-95, college: SW Baptist) netted 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the victory. Aleksandr Zhigulin (204-F-94) provided 9 points for Kazakhstan.
Group D
Hong Kong - Taiwan 62-77 Taiwan outgunned Hong Kong to open win count in Lebanon. Yi-Hsiang Chou (190-G-91) produced 22 points in the victory. Hong Kong accumulated a 35:30 halftime lead. Taiwan however turned the tables in the second half. They ignited a 47:27 run after the big break and rallied to the win. Po-Chen Chou (196-SG-90) had 16 points and 13 rebounds in the victory. Duncan Reid (206-C-89) delivered 19 points and 12 rebounds for Hong Kong.
Japan - Australia 68-84 Australia opened win count in Lebanon. They stormed past Japan in the opener. Cameron Gliddon (196-G/F-89, college: Concordia Irvine) and Jason Cadee delivered 13 points each for the Boomers. Australia posted a 42:31 halftime advantage. They extended the margin at 21-point mark at the final intermission and never looked back en route to the win. Matt Hodgson and Daniel Kickert had 11 points each in the victory. Tenketsu Harimoto (198-C/F-92) answered with 13 points for Japan.
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