China narrowly survive scare from Syria to advance to Quarter-Finals
China survived a serious scare from Syria, coming back from as many as fifteen down to prevail 81-79 on Tuesday evening.
BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - China survived a serious scare from Syria, coming back from as many as fifteen down to prevail 81-79 on Tuesday evening.
It means China advance to play Australia on Thursday in the Quarter-Finals.
China breathed a sigh of relief when Syria's Al Haddad missed two free throws which would have forced overtime, having dominated the fourth quarter 25-11 after appearing down and out following an impressive early display from the Syrian side.
Micheal Madanly did all he could to give Syria a chance, finishing with 35 points and 7 assists, but it would not be enough.
A 10-2 start to the final period got China back into the game, before a Ren three pointer broke the tie to give China a three point lead with 5 minutes remaining and from there they would pull away.
It marks the second time in as many games China have lived dangerously, preventing upsets with big fourth quarter performances.
Gen Li led China with 19 points, with Xiaoyu Liu having 7 assists to go with his 10 points.