India survive Hong Kong scare, keep QFs hopes alive

CHANGSHA-HUNAN (2015 FIBA Asia Championship) - India trailed for most of this game before unloading a big finishing kick to trip Hong Kong, 76-71, in Group E action from the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.

The Indians had a slow start to the game, trailing after one half before flipping the switch in the third and fourth quarters to pull the rug from under the upset-conscious Hong Kongers.

Amjyot Singh dropped another superb performance for India, which have now won back-to-back games in round two and have a good chance of making the Quarter-Finals even if they lose to the Philippines tomorrow.

He was supported by Vishesh Briguvanshi, who tallied 16 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals, while big man Amrit Pal Singh came alive in the second half and ended up with 8 points and 15 boards.

On the other end, Hong Kong’s charge was carried by the 21-point, 11-rebound game of Wong Chun Wai. Chan Siu Wing and Duncan Reid also did well with a combined 33 points.

Turning Point: Adam Xu’s basket with 3:30 left in the game gave Hong Kong its last taste of the lead, 64-60, but India still had one final run in them. Coach Sath Prakash’s wards outgunned their foes, 16-7, the rest of the way to turn things around and get the victory.

Stats Don't Lie: India’s size gave Hong Kong a lot of problems. The South Asian team outrebounded their East Asia foes, 47-42, and also had more points in the paint, 30-24. Amjyot Singh and Amrit Pal Singh paired up for 26 of those rebounds.

Game Hero: Amjyot Singh has come into his own as a bona fide Asian hoops superstar. He was a marvel on the floor in this game, putting up 26 points, a dozen rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks. He also shot 12-of-20 from the field and made 2 triples.

The Bottom Line: India needed another win in this round to have a foot in the Quarter-Finals door. Now they are at 2 wins and 2 losses, and even if they get tied with Palestine in any iteration of the final Group E standings, they should have the edge. Hong Kong, meanwhile, wasted a golden chance to upset a more favored team, and are practically out of the running for the next round.

FIBA