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The momentum of the Indian men’s national basketball team was stopped in its tracks by giants China. The hosts proved why they are one of the most heralded teams in Asia with a dominant 46-point thrashing of India.
India started the first quarter strong, and had their only lead of the game in its first few minutes. That would be the closest the scores would be, as China ended the quarter with a twelve point lead. China took advantage of India ignoring their 3-point shooting from the corner and surged ahead. The scoreboard read 27-15 in favour of China at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was when China took the reins and shot ahead of the hapless Indians. Chinese big man Yi Jing Liang was ever-present at the post to score, posterizing his Indian counterpart Amritpal at one point . China gave no quarter at either end of the court as they ended the second quarter with a 27 point lead, with the scoreboard reading CHI 54-29 IND.
An Indian counter-attack seemed to take shape in the beginning of the 3rd, only to be comprehensively shut down, without much delay. Yadwinder was indefatigable on offence and defence, but did not have much support from Amjyot or Amritpal. The overbearance of the Chinese was evident as the pressure forced Arumugam to shoot air on a free throw. China ended with a huge 35-point lead at the end of the 3rd quarter. CHI 75-40 IND.
The fourth quarter would see China completely exploit the fatigued Indians, whose 4 of the starting 5 have clocked the most minutes played in the tournament (over 30). No mercy was shown by the Chinese as they crossed the 100-point mark. Mercifully, the final buzzer blew shortly after, and the players exchanged handshakes as China walked off the hardwood victorious. Final score: CHI 104-58 IND.
Yi Jing Liang was China’s stalwart, while Yadwinder and Bhriguvanshi were the lynchpins of the Indian team. India will play Korea tomorrow, in a 5th - 8th seed game. China will take on Iran in the semifinal tomorrow.
