MANILA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - There were good games and there were great games in the Asian Qualifiers 2017, with several standout moments that will be talked about for years.

Iraq 74, Iran 66

Iraq's beating Iran was definitely one of the most surprising things in the first window of the Asian Qualifiers, and the biggest turning point in this match was the Iraqis' barrage in the early part of the fourth quarter. Iran took the lead in the first 30 seconds of the final frame, 56-55, but the Iraqis hit back hard with Hassan Abdullah, Ali Ismael and Demario Mayfield combining for a 12-0 run that gave them the separation they needed to cruise to the huge upset.

China 92, Korea 81 

Things were tight between these traditional East Asian rivals at the half with the Koreans trailing by only 4, but the Chinese turned up the heat in the third period. CBA Most Valuable Player Ding Yanyuhang and big man Wang Zhelin were at the forefront of China's third quarter splurge, pairing up for 19 points as the visitors broke the game open and entered the fourth quarter leading, 71-58. That took the wind out of Korea's sails as China defied expectations to notch a first window sweep.

Jordan 87, Lebanon 83 

Many expected Lebanon to simply romp all over Jordan, especially after the Cedars displayed sharp form at the FIBA Asia Cup 2017, but Al Nashama had other plans. The Jordanian quintet were the more solid unit in this fixture, and their hot start epitomized their strong resolve. Coach Sam Daghles's wards were neck-and-neck with Lebanon in the first seven minutes of the game, but a crucial 6-0 spurt to end the first period enabled Jordan to take full control of the game as Lebanon struggled for form.

Philippines 90, Chinese Taipei 83 

The Filipinos had the worst start possible against Chinese Taipei, falling behind, 17-3, in the first four minutes of the game, but coach Chot Reyes' second unit took charge in the second quarter and righted the ship. Trailing by five as the period started, bench mob players Kiefer Ravena, RR Pogoy and Calvin Abueva sparked their team back into normalcy, outscoring their foes, 26-19, and wresting the advantage, 44-42, at the half.

Kazakhstan 82, Iraq 76 

This time around, Iraq were the ones on the receiving end of a knockdown blow. The West Asians were still lead, 64-59, with a little more than 5 minutes to go and seemingly in control before an Anatoliy Kolesnikov triple jumpstarted the Kazakh offensive machine, which kicked into high gear towards the end of regulation all the way into overtime. Kolesnikov teamed up with Nikolay Bazhin, Azim Yagodkin and Rustam Yargaliev in a frantic finish that forced the extra period, where the Steppe Wolves would not be denied.

FIBA