BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - Today's big game between China and Iraq will determine who finishes in second place for Group B at the Asia Cup 2017.

With both China and Iraq toting 1-win, 1-loss records and both teams already losing to the Philippines, only second place in Group B will be up for grabs in their head-to-head encounter today. The winner of this bout will face the third place team from Group A, which will be either Syria or India. The loser between China and Iraq will then face the second place team of Group A, which is either Iran or Jordan. Another critical factor to consider is that both Iraq and China will have the possibility of facing either New Zealand or Australia in the Quarter-Finals if they ever get that far. Today's matchup between these two sides certainly carry a lot of weight, and it will be interesting to see who prevails.

Key Matchup: As has been the case in Iraq's first two games, Kevin Galloway will play a huge part in this matchup. The do-it-all 2.00m wingman will continue to be the focal point of Iraq's offense, and where he goes, so do Iraq. That means China will have to significantly limit Galloway's production, and that task will fall squarely on the shoulders of Zhou Peng. At 2.06m, Zhou has the size to bother Galloway, and he also has the agility to be able to stay with Iraq's naturalized player. If Zhou is able to limit Galloway's production or at least match it, that will be a huge boost for China.

Key Stat: One crucial aspect in this game will be outside shooting. China are the third-best three-point shooting team so far in the tournament right behind the Philippines and Japan, and if the Chinese can catch fire from long distance in this game, Iraq can be put to sleep early. This means the Iraqis have to clamp down on those Chinese shooters and close out well. Iraq, too, have to make their own outside shots, which they failed to do in their loss to the Philippines on Day 4. The Chinese shooters to watch are Guo Ailun, Li Gen, Zhou Peng and Wu Qian, who all make at least 1.5 triples per game.

FIBA