LIB/JOR - Lebanon add to Jordan’s woe

BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup) - Lebanon edged out struggling Jordan 63-54 in a tough battle between the two FIBA World Championship-bound teams at the 3rd FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup.

Jordan came into the game in a mini-crisis with an 0-2 record, and threw everything they had at the hosts, but they could not avoid a third straight defeat. They now need to beat Syria on Wednesday to qualify for the next round.
Lebanon’s win sets up an exciting clash on Wednesday with Qatar, who also have a 3-0 record, to determine who comes out on top in Group B.

Lebanon took revenge for two losses to Jordan at the FIBA Asia Championship last year as Jackson Vroman poured in 20 points.

Fadi El Khatib, still recovering from injury, had 13 points in 18 minutes.

“Fadi is coming around, although he is yet to get into full rhythm with the team,” Lebanon coach Tab Baldwin said.

“He’s having to think before execution, but the way he is going I think he is doing alright.”

The scores were tied at half-time, but Lebanon had more in the tankl in the second half as El Khatib came off the bench.

A 17-9 run put Lebanon in control.

None of the Jordan players made it into double-figures.

“It was a tough game. The toughest we have played so far in our preparations,” Jordan center Zaid Al-Khas said.

“And they were playing with the crowd behind them. That helped a lot.”

Qatar continued their strong run in the tournament with a 66-61 win over the Philippines.

Targuy Ngombo was the star man again, pouring in 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

An early 14-0 run put Qatar up 21-6, and although the Philippines never stopped fighting, that was too much for them to overcome.
Ali Ali had 12 points and 12 rebounds in the win.

In Group A, Japan made a big statement in the battle between the two contenders to top the group as they routed Kazakhstan 100-57.

The win sees Japan improve to 2-1, and they can overhaul Kazakhstan, who finished group play at 2-2, by beating Iraq on Wednesday.

Ken Takeda led Japan with 19 points while Takuya Kawamura had 11.

Iraq stormed back from 38-22 down to beat Iran 81-77 after overtime.

Mohamed Majdi’s dramatic three-point play tied the scores at 65-65 at the end of regulation, and Iraq took off from there.

Omar Ismael led Iraq with 17 points, while Mohammed Hassanzadeh had the same scored for Iran.

FIBA