22 - 30
September 2017
56 Robert Christopher Daniels (LBN)
24/09/2017
News
to read

Day 2 HOT and NOT

CHENZHOU (FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2017) - Some of the best in Asia rocked Chenzhou again on Day 2, providing truckloads of excitement on the hardcourt. Let's look at those who caught fire or went ice cold.

HOT

Al Riyadi Lebanon

The runners-up from 2016 finally opened their account, and how! The Lebanese showed no mercy in dealing Shabab Al Ahli Dubai a 116-55 defeat. Al Riyadi led by 24 after one quarter an never looked back en route to the 61-point demolition job. Every single player coach Ahmad El Farran put in the game was able to score, with 6 guys finishing in double-digits.

Wang Zirui (China Kashgar)

The 24-year-old point guard was never one of the biggest names on China's roster despite being on the country's national pool several times in the past. At 1.90m, he has good size for a playmaker, and he displayed that in their win over Taipei Dacin Tigers. Wang put up 23 points on 8-of-13 field goal shooting, including hitting four times from rainbow country.

Justin Carter (BC Astana)

Carter made some Philippine headlines early on Day 2 after a bitter rant about the Filipinos on social media, but he let his game do the talking in BC Astana's victory over powerhouse Petrochimi Iran. Carter bounced back from his anemic Day 1 shooting to post 24 points, making 7 of his 12 fialed goal attempts. He nailed 3 triples and also added 3 rebounds to his name.


NOT

Shabab Al Ahli Dubai

As good as Al Riyadi was, Al Ahli Dubai was absolutely terrible. The Emiratis had no answer for anything the Lebanese did, and they were never able to close the gap against Al Riyadi. Al Ahli were outplayed on both ends of the floor and in every facet of the game. The Emirati side had fewer rebounds, assists, fastbreak points, points in the paint and had more turnovers than their deeper, more experienced Lebanese foes.

Carl Bryan Cruz (Chooks-To-Go Philippines)

Cruz is seen by some as the heir apparent to Ranidel De Ocampo for the Philippines, but his shooting against the Palestinians went south fast. He made just 3 of his 11 field goal attempts, including going 2-of-7 from beyond the arc. That kind of shooting epitomized the kind of offensive performance Chooks-To-Go Philippines had in their Day 2 loss - totally lackluster.

Saeid Davarpanah (Petrochimi Iran)

Petrochimi were overwhelming favorites against BC Astana, but they found themselves in a dogfight. One of the veterans to whom they turned for leadership was Davarpanah, but the 30-year-old national team standout could not deliver the goods. The 1.90m wingman made only 1-of-10 field goals, including 1-of-7 from the three-point area, to record a paltry 3-point total in 25 minutes of play.

FIBA