Tweet
Jordan upsets China in Asian basketball champion
TOKUSHIMA, Japan (AFP) - Jordan pulled off a stunning victory over four-time defending champions China 78-65 on the opening day of the Asian men's basketball championship on Saturday.
Rasheim Wright became the hero of his side, scoring 10 two-pointers and one three-pointer as well as eight free throws for a total of 31 points, while Zaid Alkhas also scored 22 points.
The Chinese men, who have dominated the continent since 1975 winning a total of 14 championships, once took a 23-17 lead in the second quarter, but Jordan soon overcame the deficit to lead 35-30 at half time before enlarging the lead.
Sixteen countries were divided into four groups in the preliminary round and top two from each group will advance to the second stage.
The winners of the tournament will qualify for the Beijing Olympics next year.
In case Olympic hosts China win, the second team will qualify, while top two except China and the champions will be eligible for the final qualifying round in July next year.
In other matches, Qatar defeated India 106-49 and Kazakhstan downed Indonesia 107-53 in Group C, while two-time former champions South Korea outclassed Hong Kong 107-53.
TOKUSHIMA, Japan (AFP) - Jordan pulled off a stunning victory over four-time defending champions China 78-65 on the opening day of the Asian men's basketball championship on Saturday.
Rasheim Wright became the hero of his side, scoring 10 two-pointers and one three-pointer as well as eight free throws for a total of 31 points, while Zaid Alkhas also scored 22 points.
The Chinese men, who have dominated the continent since 1975 winning a total of 14 championships, once took a 23-17 lead in the second quarter, but Jordan soon overcame the deficit to lead 35-30 at half time before enlarging the lead.
Sixteen countries were divided into four groups in the preliminary round and top two from each group will advance to the second stage.
The winners of the tournament will qualify for the Beijing Olympics next year.
In case Olympic hosts China win, the second team will qualify, while top two except China and the champions will be eligible for the final qualifying round in July next year.
In other matches, Qatar defeated India 106-49 and Kazakhstan downed Indonesia 107-53 in Group C, while two-time former champions South Korea outclassed Hong Kong 107-53.
Comment