U18 Asia Championships: Iran stuns China
The final four of the FIBA U18 Asia Championships have been scheduled, with the four nations entering the semis now known. A frantic day of Quarterfinal action on Friday saw Iran, Lebanon, Japan, and South Korea head to the semis.
We wrote before the last eight that the draw presented an opportunity for some nations. This was shaping up as a tournament for the dark horse, and certainly some of the final four were not predicted at the start of the week.
China vs. Iran, 59-62
The most mouth-watering clash of the quarters was between China and Iran. China is the winningest nation in the history of the U18 Asia Championships with 11 titles, five more than anyone else. The Chinese had also won the last four editions of the tournament and eased through this week with five straight wins.
However, Iran is dangerous at home, winning the tournament in Tehran in 2008. So it proved again as the hosts shocked China and stopped the unmovable object in the last eight stage. Eliminating China is huge for all nations, but surely now Iran will feel its passage to the title is open. Iran was 38-48 ahead through three quarters and held on despite a China rally in the fourth act.
Lebanon vs. India, 98-67
Because China and Iran (the two tournament favourites) met each other, we wrote on Wednesday that the other nations would now fancy their chances. Lebanon took the initiative as a dark horse and demolished India to set up a semifinal encounter with Japan. Once again avoiding Iran means both Lebanon and Japan will feel a real title at the gold is possible, Lebanon has never won the U18 Asia Championships.
A 26-9 second quarter paced the Lebanese success as the country raced through the second half, including 28 points in the fourth frame. Mark Alkhouray doubled up with 18 points and 10 rebounds in the win, while Naji Ozeir also doubled with 17 points and 10 boards.
Taiwan vs. Japan, 71-77
Japan had a tougher test than Lebanon against Taiwan. The Land of the Rising Sun has only won the competition once before, on home soil in 1990. Still, the Japanese will now be thinking of Sunday’s final in Tehran, via a semi against the Lebanese of course. A five point cushion at halftime gave Japan the room it needed in the second half to extend and record the win, but it was never a forgone conclusion.
Yudai Nishida was excellent in the win, scoring 24 points, taking 7 rebounds, and handing out 3 assists.
South Korea vs. Philippines, 93-85
There was no rekindling of dominance for the Philippines as the second best nation in U18 Asia Championships history fell to South Korea. The loss means the six time title holders are still awaiting their first gold since 1982. As for South Korea, the nation is hunting its first crown since 2000 and a fourth overall. However, the formidable hosts Iran stand in the way in what will be a testing final four contest.