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India beat China for the first time ever
13th of July, 2014 - a date that will be remembered for a long time to come for the heroics Indian national basketball team as they beat all the odds to claim a sensational win against China at the 5th FIBA Asia Cup.
Led by head coach Scott Flemming, the Indian managed to upset the World No.12 Chinese side 65-58 to register the country's biggest competitive victory in their 78-year basketball history.
China, also the host nation for this edition of the Asia Cup, were clear favourites at the start of the game. However, a determined effort from the Indian side forced the Chinese to concede 23 turnovers in the game.
The likes of Amjyot Singh, Pratham Singh with 13 points each, and captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi, who another 12 points, were the stars of the show as they put every bit of effort going forward and holding the play at the back.
While the game looked set for a close finish at the end of the 3rd quarter with India ahead 50-48, it was the Chinese crop that couldn't handle the pressure in the last few minutes of the match. With some dubious turnovers and sloppy freethrows, the did make it easier for the Indian side to finish the game with a flourish.
Coach Flemming praises the Indian performance
Speaking to the Eklavyas, Indian coach Scott Flemming lauded the way his side approached the game. “I thought our defense was solid. We didn’t shoot well from three-point line and we didn’t shoot well from the free-throw line, but that shows we did the other things well.
"We made clutch plays when we needed them. The biggest things is that we competed in every possession,” he said.
Flemming added, “I’m so happy for these players. And I’m so happy for the country of India. I’ve coached for 32 years in the USA, and the only reason I came here – win or lose – was to make a difference in the lives of these players.”
The win gives India a very strong chance to qualify for the quarterfinals; if they manage to defeat Indonesia tomorrow, they will go through.
Final Score: India beat China 65-58 (24-11, 9-20, 15-19, 17-8)
Video credits: Ekalavyas
