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Roundup: Philippines stuns Itan, only China stays unbeaten

Xinhua, September 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Philippines beat Iran 87-73 to revenge its 2013 final loss and handed their opponent first loss of the tournament here on Monday while host China became the only team to stay unbeaten after smashing Lebanon 90-72.

Iran had a better start to the contest, leading after one quarter and at the halftime break, but they unraveled amidst a searing second half surge by the Philippines.

Iran held a 10-point lead with eight minutes and 32 seconds left in the third quarter, but that was also the point the Filipinos started to rally. The Philippines outscored Iran 28-13 for the remainder of the period and took a five-point lead into the final period, then never looked back.

The Filipinos erased Iran's myth of invincibility and pulled the defending champion back to earth. Andray Blatche outplayed Hamed Haddadi, putting up 18 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and two blocks.

Iran is now quite possible to finish second in Group E, which means that they are likely to meet host China in semifinals.

Six Chinese players scored in double-figures helped the host to secure a 90-72 victory over Lebanon and also their fifth victory in-a-row. China led from the start to remain the only unbeaten side with Yi Jianlian putting on another impressive display with a game-high 19 points.

Lebanon will need to win their game on Tuesday against Jordan to advance to the quarterfinal while China will play Qatar for the first place in Group F.

In Group E, India survived the scare from Hong Kong, China to win at 76-71, keeping quarterfinals hopes alive while Japan beat Palestine 74-67.

Qatar overcame an early deficit and beat South Korea 69-63 to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals. Jordan defeated Kazakhstan at 87-73. Enditem