U18 Asia Games: Sunday 24 July

TEHRAN (2016 FIBA Asia U18 Championship) - Here are the six games scheduled for Day 3 of the 2016 FIBA Asia U18 Championship.

Follow the action live on the FIBA Asia U18 live feed.

Korea v Kazakhstan

Expect that Korea will be in a vengeful mood after they got upset by Lebanon yesterday. The Kazakhs, meanwhile, have been playing listless basketball and have been on the wrong end of two blowouts. Coach Lee Moojin’s squad are surely looking to return to the win column and stay alive for a shot at one of Group B’s top two spots.

Philippines v China

The undefeated Chinese will have the edge in size against the Philippines, but with Batang Gilas’s convincing win last night against Iraq, the Filipinos cannot be expected to just roll over. Super sniper Jolo Mendoza caught fire with 7 triples last night, and if he can get going again, anything can happen. China won’t underestimate the Philippines, though, especially after their U16 team got upset by the Filipinos last year.

Lebanon v Indonesia

Lebanon have a chance to go up 3-0 if they can defeat the lowly Indonesians, who have lost their first two games by an average of 62.5 points. Star players Naji Ozeir, Ali Mansour and Sami Ghandour may be given a rest here unless the Cedars encounter stiff resistance from Ali Budimansyah’s hard-luck crew.

Chinese Taipei v India

Coach Hsu Shih-Ching’s team had to scramble in the second half to outlast a gritty Thailand last night, and things are bound to get even tougher against the Indians today. India stuck with China for an entire half yesterday before succumbing to superior talent in the end. If Chinese Taipei are not careful and allow India to stick too close, an upset may be brewing.

Japan v Iran

This will be the first big test for the home team, who have so far romped their way to an unblemished record. Japan’s confidence is sure to be at a high after a good bounce back win over Indonesia yesterday, but Iran’s size and outside shooting may prove to be too much. This may also be the first game we see Team Melli’s captain, Amirhossein Azari finally play.

Thailand v Iraq

The Thais impressed against Group A leader Chinese Taipei last night, and if that’s any indication of things, then they should give Iraq a mighty good challenge here. Iraq are raring to bounce back after being on the losing end of a Filipino shooting display, and their top player Ihab Al-Zuhairi may not be in top shape after playing without rest last night. His match up with Thai-American hotshot Justin Bassey is one to watch.

FIBA