China survive Philippines in heavyweight clash, unified Korea, Japan and Chinese-Taipei stroll to wins

JAKARTA (Asian Games 2018) – Unified Korea, Japan, and Chinese-Taipei claimed wins over Kazakhstan, Thailand and Indonesia, respectively, in Women’s 5v5 Basketball today at Asian Games 2018. On the Men’s side, China won an entertaining duel against the Philippines.

Sparks were flying in today’s highlight game between the Philippines and China, a game which saw many stars take the court. NBA player Jordan Clarkson (28 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists) had a stellar national team debut against fellow big-leaguer Zhou Qi (25 points, 12 rebounds, 7 blocks) who was just as good on the other end.

China led for most of the game and up to as much as 12 points, but the Philippines stormed back on steady performances by Christian Standhardinger (18 points, 8 rebounds) and Stanley Pringle. Pringle scored the Philippines last 4 points in the game and his layup had them up 80-77 with less than two minutes left in the game. China’s hero turned out to be Zhao Rui who scored the game’s final 5 points to comeback and claim the victory. Abudushalamu Abudurexity (12 points, 8 rebounds) and Wang Zhelin (13 points, 7 rebounds) also had important stretches in the game that were important to China’s win.

Unified Korea beat Kazakhstan 85-57 and will finish at second place in Group A of the Women’s 5x5 Basketball tournament. Unified Korea shot only 4/23 from downtown, but their inside scoring was enough to get them the win. Ro Suk Yong led the team with 19 points to go with 7 rebounds.

Japan clinches at least a second seed out of Women’s Group B after a 91-41 win over Thailand. Japan were ruthless on defense, forcing 24 turnovers out of Thailand. Aya Watanabe exploded for 27 points on 5 three-pointers to lead Japan to their big win.

Chinese Taipei completes the Group A sweep with a resounding 115-51 win over Indonesia. The game got out of reach in a hurry with Chinese Taipei going out to a 34-12 first quarter against the hosts. They were led byn Cheng Ihsiu (22 points), Huang Lingchuan (26 points), and Chen Yenyu (19 points). The win clinches a flawless group phase record and a no.1 seed in Group A for Chinese Taipei. Indonesia will now have to beat India to earn their spot in the Quarterfinals.

 FIBA