FIBA Asia Championship 2015: Spirited India are stifled by vengeful Korea

Amjyot Singh was India’s top scorer once again

A courageous effort by India proved too little as they were curbed by Korea 117-72 in the 5^th – 8^th position classification match of the FIBA Asia basketball championships 2015. Korea were eager to avenge their defeat to Iran yesterday, only their second quarterfinal loss in the history of the tournament.

The Indians were their usual energetic selves in the first quarter, matching Korea blow-for-blow as their scores were level 20-20. But a few botched passes would take he wind out of their sails and Korea would be quick to convert the turnovers.

The second quarter saw India trying to make up for their errors in the first, but the Koreans were determined to redeem themselves absolutely and allowed India no breathing space. At halftime, Korea were ahead by a large margin at 59-35.

The fatigue of the tournament was evident on the Indians in the 3^rd quarter, whose starting 5 have played more than 30 minutes in each game. A small consolation was the fact that the Indian bench scored the most points of the tournament in this game, but it was too little, too late. The third quarter ended with the scoreboard reading IND 50-89 KOR.

The Indian Cagers were absolutely exhausted in the 4^th quarter and it showed in their uncoordinated passes and blunt offense. Amjyot and Amritpal showed flashes of brilliance, but the Koreans pressed the advantage, aware that the Indians could not keep up with them. At the final buzzer, Korea won by a 45 point margin. IND 72-117 KOR.

Amjyot Singh was India’s top scorer with 24 points. Korea will play the victor of the Qatar vs Lebanon game for the 5^th/6th place.