NBA Rumors - Andray Blatche (Photo : FIBA)
After pulling off a momentous win over erstwhile undefeated and reigning champion Iran on Monday, the Philippine men’s basketball team embark on a mission to sweep their Group E assignments as they play a vastly improving India in their final game in the second round.
Hamed Haddadi, arguably the most dominant player in Asian basketball competition for almost a decade, couldn’t get his game going as Iran bowed down to the Filipinos for the first time in any major FIBA competition in recent memory.
Jason Castro William and Andray Blatche led the charge in scoring for the Philippine team, but Gilas rookies Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo gave the Filipinos a much needed boost off the bench to stun the continental giant, 87-73.
Now facing the Filipinos are the Indians who are also in high spirits following their wins against Hong Kong and Palestine. No longer a basketball minnows, this Indian team boasts a very tall frontcourt rotation and a high-octane offense capable of blowing by everybody if not stopped.
Philippines might have a deep roster but they could fall into the hands of the Indian team, especially if they become overconfident. Tip-off for this second-round match is set at 2:45 p.m (GMT +8) in Changsha, China.
Group F play is expected to reach fever pitch with three intriguing matchups in the evening. Jordan and Lebanon will duke it out for the final quarterfinal spot in their group at 4:45 p.m, while China and Qatar collide at 7:30 p.m. The battle between South Korea and Kazakhstan will wrap up the second round at 9:30 p.m.
Gilas Pilipinas vs. Lebanon Quarterfinal Live Stream, Box Scores & Replay - Click Here
