Changsha, China: China dominated for long stretches against a cold-shooting Philippines yesterday to win the FIBA Asia Championship and qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
In a placings match qatar defeated India to finish seventh.
The Chinese, who bowed out in the Quarter-Finals two years ago in Manila, completed an unbeaten run in Changsha-Hunan with a 78-67 triumph over a proud Filipino side for their 16th title in the competition.
With youngsters Zhou Qi, Guo Ailun and veteran Yi Jianlian leading the way in China’s first-ever Final showdown against the Philippines, Gong Luming’s team stormed to the title and an Olympic berth.
The Philippines trailed by double digits in the first half but cut the deficit to eight early in the second and had several opportunities to draw even closer but failed to take advantage.
The hustle, quick rotations on defense and size of China won the day against a Filipino side that also finished runners-up to Iran two years ago in Manila.
Turning Point: Four minutes into the contest and the Philippines had a 15-10 lead but China reeled off 12 unanswered points and they stayed in front for the remainder of the contest.
Stats Don’t Lie: The Philippines, unable to attack the rim inside because of China’s size and tenacity, needed to hit some shots from three-point range but made just six of 24 (25 percent). China were nine of 24 (37.5 percent), with Li Gen three of four.
Game Hero: Zhou Qi, China’s 19-year-old sensation, helped set the tone early on for the tournament hosts with seven points, seven rebounds and a swat of Andray Blatche, who didn’t make an impact until the second half. Zhou finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
The Bottom Line: Since their come-from-behind win over Korea on the second day of the competition, China have been supremely confident and focused. There is much for the fans in the Far East to be excited about with an Olympic appearance next year, and because of the youngsters who will play there.
n Iran rode the hot shooting of Samad Nikkhah Bahrami to a 68-63 victory over Japan in the battle for third place at the FIBA Asia Championship yesterday.
Bahrami, the captain of Iran, finished with a game-high 35 points.
Iran scored 18 of the game’s first 21 points but failed to stamp their authority on the game and nearly paid the price as Japan battled back and closed the gap to 31-29 at half-time before going in front in the third quarter.
The Far East team had its biggest lead of six points with less than two minutes remaining in the third quarter and was still ahead at 51-49 with 8:30 to go in the contest before Iran struck back, catching fire from long range.
Though Iran went back in front by 12, Japan refused to give in and hit four late three-pointers to pull to within five but Iran held on for a five-point triumph.
Though Japan have not reached the podium, they will not leave the FIBA Asia Championship empty-handed because both they and Iran will play at a FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament next year.
Turning Point: With 6:22 to play and Iran on top 52-51, Sajjad Mashayekhi drilled a three-pointer. Following two missed free-throws by Gaku Arao, Bahrami struck with another three for a 58-51 lead. Iran stayed on top the rest of the way.
