China wins FIBA Asia 2015

ChinaChina is the FIBA Asia 2015 champion after claiming the gold medal on home turf in Changsha. A 78-67 score line was enough for China to put away the Philippines and stop their opponents for winning their first title for 31 years. As for the Chinese, they are ones again the kings of Asia after claiming it 16th title, which means they comfortably retain status as the winningest team in the history of the competition.

Of course, there was more at stake besides the glory of the championship as China has now qualified to play for a more prestigious gold medal, the Olympic Gold. The team now automatically qualifies for the games to be held in Rio de Janeiro next summer. As for the Philippines, their own run to the final ensured they are now automatically included for the Olympic qualifying tournament.

China vs. Philippines, 78-67
China were fitting winners as they wrapped up the FIBA Asia 2015 title without ever dropping a game through the two weeks of tournament play. The hosts rarely looked trouble during the final and used a classy first half to secure enough room to tuck in during the second and shut the game down.

The game started slow, but soon the teams started finding the net and going bucket for bucket, but China managed to carve open a 23-19 lead after ten minutes. The Chinese added another 23 points in the second quarter and the consistency in attack was met by a more complete defensive effort. The Philippines could only hit 16 points in reply and through the long break the hosts led 46-35. With an eleven point cushion China could concentrate on killing the game, and while the visitors won the third period 14-15, the Chinese were still in control through thirty minutes (60-50). That double digit advantage was enough for China to close the perimeter and professionally end the contest with an 18-17 winning fourth act.

Ailun Guo led the winning effort from the bench with 19 points and 6 rebounds, while Qi Zhou had a huge double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds. Jianlian Yi also doubled up with 11 points and 15 boards.

While the Philippines spread the points around, only one player shot double figures through the nets. That was Andray Blatche with 17 points.

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