JAKARTA (Indonesia) - The first four teams to book a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2022 Quarter-Finals are confirmed with Iran defeating Japan in the final Group C game. Iran join Australia, Korea, and Lebanon as teams to secure direct Quarter-Finals spots as the top teams of their respective groups at the end of the Group Phase.

The first team to clinch their Quarter-Finals spot were Korea, following an impressive start to the competition by beating China 93-81 in their opening game. It was the biggest win by Korea over China in a FIBA competition since 1997 and has set the tone for the undefeated squad who are playing with a high level of confidence.

Lebanon were the next team to claim their spot in the Quarter-Finals after an impressive win over New Zealand in their second game, 86-72. It was Lebanon’s first win ever over New Zealand, satisfyingly so for the team as they had lost three close games to the Tall Black in the past 5 years.

The defending champions Australia were only able to clinch their Quarter-Finals ticket after fending off an impressive effort by host Indonesia in their last game of the Group Phase. The Boomers have faced three tough teams that started strong in their matchups, but each and every time have been able to finish the game strong and stay undefeated.

The final direct qualification spot to the Quarter-Finals was claimed by Iran in a duel against Japan. The stakes of the game were straightforward in which the winner would go directly to the Quarter-Finals, with Iran taking the ticket in an exciting 88-76 victory.

With these four Quarter-Final spots filled in, the spotlight now turns to the Qualification for Quarter-Finals where eight teams will battle to advance.

Jordan will go up against Chinese Taipei for the Quarter-Final spot that will match them up against Iran.

Indonesia will face China in what could be the biggest game in Indonesia basketball history. Not only will the winner would not only advance to play Lebanon in the Quarter-Finals, if Indonesia seal the victory, they would be guaranteed a spot at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in which they are co-hosting the event with Japan and the Philippines.

There will also be a clash between Japan and the Philippines, where the winner will get a shot to take down the defending champions Australia in the Quarter-Finals.

The last Qualification to Quarter-Finals matchup is between Syria and New Zealand and it will be Korea waiting to face the victor of this game in the Quarter-Finals.

FIBA