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More than a few were skeptical of the Chinese team in the absence of experience on the team. But brilliant performances and an unbeaten streak leading to the final should have been convincing enough that the hosts wouldn't let the gold leave their borders. The Chinese Dragons beat the Gilas Philippines 78-67 in a truly superior manner to win the 2015 FIBA Asia Basketball Championships and qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics. The Gilas were valiant, but have to settle for silver and will still get a chance to go through to Rio, in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2016.
Jayson William scored the first points of the game, but that would be the only time Gilas would be ahead. China took a quick 5 point lead and maintained it or a while. The first quarter ended with China leading 23-19 over Philippines.
The second quarter saw more of the breakneck, take-no-prisoners gameplay from the Reds. Gilas looked to comeback by cutting the deficit to 4 (21-25), but China were well aware that an inch could turn into a mile. 19-year-old Zhou Qi would score 12 points as China widened the margin to 10 and ended the 2nd quarter at 46-35.
China broke away in the 3rd quarter, with a big 13 point lead, at 57-44. Philippines tried bravely to close the gap with both Blatche and Abueva on the bench, but could only manage to reduce the lead to 10. The 3rd quarter ended with China leading 60-50 Philippines.
Team Dragon gave the Gilas no respite in the 4th, with 5 quick points, extending their lead to 15. Romeo showed the only signs of life in the Gilas, scoring here and there, while Zhou Qi and Yi Jianlian took China closer to the gold. Philippines made a final burst, but there was no hope. The crowd erupted at the final buzzer, and Team China were jubilant.
Zhou Qi and Yi Jianlian made double doubles, while Andray Blatch top-scored for his team. China were furious in their offense and unbreachable in their defense, especially in shutting down Blatche. China have now claimed their 16th FIBA Asian Basketball Championship.
Guess the Lakers players!
