Korea outduel Philippines, advance to Asian Games 2018 Semis with Iran, Chinese Taipei, China

JAKARTA (Asian Games 2018) – The Semi Finals of the Men’s 5x5 Basketball Tournament at the Asian Games 2018 are set after Korea, Iran, Chinese Taipei, and China secured wins to wrap up the Quarterfinal action.

Korea had to fend off the Philippines in a game that was back-and-forth for nearly the entire game, before coming out victorious with a 91-82 win. Ricardo Ratliffe was bothered with three fouls in the first half, but was able to come out with a monster 30-point, 14-rebound game in the win. Korea enjoyed a game that displayed crisp passing to finish with 27 assists. Heo Ilyoung rained in 4 of Korea’s 12 three-pointers at crucial moments of the game to lead Korea to the Semi Finals as well. Jordan Clarkson starred for the Philippines once again with 25 points, most of them coming in the third quarter. Another superb effort from Christian Standhardinger who had 16 points and 9 rebounds pushed the Philippines to hold on to leads midway through the game but it couldn’t last until the final buzzer.

Korea’s win continues their so-called “curse” over the Philippines, an opponent where they have not lost to in international competition since the FIBA Asia Cup in 2013.

Iran had no trouble downing the undermanned Japan National Team, 93-67. Hamed Haddadi had another big game with 22 points and 15 rebounds, giving Iran the advantage down low throughout most of the game. Iran doubled the rebounding totals of Japan 54-27 and it was especially the 20 offensive rebounds that gave Iran the edge on their way to the win.

Syria came in as the dark horse up against Chinese Taipei and forced a close game before losing 82-75. The two teams found themselves tied up at 41-41 at halftime and continued to trade leads up until the last 5 minutes of the game. Chen Ying Chun took over the game from that point on, scoring 10 of his 24 points in those final minutes to push his team to the win. His three-pointer with one minute left in the game to make it a seven-point lead was the final dagger lead up to the victory.

China strolled their way to a win and into the Semi Finals, beating Indonesia 98-63. The hosts had no answer for China inside, getting out rebounded 63-38. Life wasn’t any easier for Indonesia on the perimeter as China dropped 15 three-pointers on them. Abudushalamu Abudurexiti scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the win.

Korea will face Iran in the next round while Chinese Taipei will face China. The Semi-Finals will be played on the August 30.

FIBA