FIBA Asia - The roaring beast awakes in Manila

MANILA (FIBA Asia Championship) - The beast may have awoken on Day 2 of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, as the enormous Philippines crowd drove their team to an emotional 77-71 win over Jordan.

With Mohammad Hadrab (19 points) in fine form the Jordanians led at quarter-time, half-time and well into the third term, but a furious 20-2 Philippines run brought the home fans to fever pitch and turned the game on its head.

While Jordan challenged until the final whistle, they had no answer for the relentless intensity of Jason 'Castro' William (16 points), Gabe Norwood (8 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists) and the incredible shooting of Jeffrei Chan (17 points, 5/7 three-pointers).

While Iran's 76-65 win over Korea was more low-key it was no less important, seeing off a stern challenge from the East Asian team who shocked China on opening night.

After a see-sawing first half Iranian shooter Samad Nikkhah Bahrami produced a scintillating tear, scoring 12 of his 23 points in the third term as Iran outscored their rivals 21-7 to set up victory.

Samad had plenty of help, big centre Hamed Hadadi (30 points, 13 rebounds) dominant inside and Mahdi Kamrany (9 assists) masterful in his point guard play. For Korea, Cho Sungmin led the way with 15 points.

Bahrain obviously enjoyed their overtime experience against India on opening night, giving up a five-point lead with 150 seconds remaining in regulation against Kazakhstan to end up in extra time once again.

The Kazakhs ultimately prevailed 79-76 behind the play of Jerri Jonson (18 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds) who scored 13 points in the final 12 minutes, including the game-tying triple with 15 seconds to play in the fourth quarter.

Bahrain had five players in double figures led by centre Chester Giles (12 points, 12 rebounds).

India bounced back from their opening-night heartache with a strong 89-65 win over Thailand in a fast and entertaining affair.

The skilful Narender Grewal (24 points, 6 rebounds) again paced the Indians, while Vishesh Bhriguvanshi (20 points, 8 rebounds) proved too much for the Thais.

Chinese Taipei  kept their unbeaten run going, destroying the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 31-14 in the first quarter before cruising to a 90-67 victory.

Star of the show for Taipei was Cheng-Ju Lu with 25 points on 7-of-12 shooting from long range, with strong back-up from Quincy Davis III (14 points, 10 rebounds).

Japan welcomed Hong Kong to the tournament with a 76-59 belting, while China made light work of Malaysia to the tune of 113-22.

Day 3 in Manila promises plenty, with powerhouses China and Iran doing battle and the undefeated Philippines and Chinese Taipei squaring off in front of another packed house.

For full and in-depth coverage of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, go to the official website http://manila2013.fibaasia.net.

FIBA