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China overwhelms India 104-58, to meet Iran in semis

Xinhua, October 1, 2015 Adjust font size:

Asian basketball powerhouse China overwhelmed India 104-58 on Thursday to book a semifinal meeting with defending champion Iran at the FIBA Asia Championship.

The 46-point margin marked the biggest win for the host team in the tournament. The Chinese, with 15 Asia Championship titles in hand, spent the last four years without any continental title. On the other hand, Iran won three of the past four Asian Championships.

"We have played Iran for several times in these years," said Guo Ailun. "They are definitely a strong team."

"Win or go home, we have no choice but to fight."

All Chinese players but veteran guard Liu Wei scored in the game, with former NBA star Yi Jianlian getting 21 points to lead the team. Small forward Zhai Xiaochuan from Beijing Ducks hit all his three attempts beyond the arc and had 15 points. Captain Zhou Peng and point guard Guo Ailun finished with 13 and 11 respectively.

"Iran has dominated the Asian basketball since 2009," said China head coach Gong Luming.

"They are one of the best teams in Asia. As a young team, we have to challenge strong teams like them and play at the highest level."

"I believe both teams will be well-prepared and have a great game for the fans."

China turned 56 percent of their shooting attempts to points, including 48 percent outside the three point line, and at the same time made as many as 26 assists.

Zhou Qi opened the game with a jump shot, but China didn't have a quick start. Indian shooter Yadwinder Singh hit a string of baskets to take a 7-4 lead. China then started the scoring mode, delivering a 13-2 run to regain the advantage. India did a good job by keeping the gap within 10 points, only to see China run away with a 16-0 spurt.

India could do nothing to stop China from extending the lead, and the host team finished the first half 56-29.

The second half went on without much story. China gave all 12 players chance to get on court, and enjoyed a 104-58 victory, marking the seventh straight win at the tournament.

Indian guard Vishesh Bhriguvanshi played all 40 minutes to get a game-leading 22 points. Yadwinder Singh took 16. Amjyot Singh, who averaged 23 in the previous six games, only finished with five. Enditem