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For the first time since 2003, India has qualified for the quarterfinals of the 28th FIBA Asia Championship for Men that is underway in Changsha, China. This will provide solace to the team, which lost to a hot Philippines side, 99-65, earlier this afternoon. Prior to today's game against India, Philippines is coming off 4 straight victories and its first ever win against Asian giant Iran yesterday.
Despite the loss, India progressed to the knockouts based on its two wins in the last three games, the biggest over Palestine, on Sunday morning. While both teams finished with the same group record of 2-3, India won their only head-to-head matchup and will move on to face the Pool F topper, who will be determined by the winner of the China-Qatar matchup later in the evening.
Commenting on the achievement, veteran forward Yadwinder Singh said, “We are ecstatic to have qualified and all the players have put in a lot of effort. Compared to teams in the past, the key difference has been the improved showing of our big men Amjyot Singh and Amritpal Singh.” Both Amjyot and Amritpal are professionals in the Japanese developmental league, and their exposure abroad is showing immediate dividend.
India started off strong against Philippines, winning the first quarter 17-16. However, the hot-shooting of Philippines kicked in during the second quarter and it took a 42-36 lead into halftime. In the second half, the tired legs of India couldn’t keep up, as a rested and deep Philippines team took off on large runs. Captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi led the team with 21 points, including 5-10 outside shooting, while Amritpal Singh matched former-NBA player Andray Blatche blow for blow with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Star Amjyot Singh had an off-night with 11 points and 5 rebounds.
India (Vishesh Bhriguvanshi 21 pts, 3 rbs & 3 assts; Amritpal Singh 18 pts & 13 rbs; and Amjyot Singh 11 pts & 5 rbs) lost to Philippines (T Romeo 20 pts & 4 assts; A. Blatche 15 pts & 5 stls; and R. DeCampo 13 pts) 65-99 (17-16, 19-26, 14-23, 15-34)
