FIBA Asia Championships 2015: India are through to quarter-finals despite a rout by Philippines

Indian captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi was the team’s top scorer

India’s last match in the second round ended in defeat to a fluent Philippines, but hope would arrive in the form of Iran’s mauling of Palestine, which effectively sent India into the quarter-finals.

The Indian Cagers were off to a strong start, leading by two in the first quarter and playing cohesive, quick basketball at both ends of the court. Their defense was particulary commendable. India ended the first quarter with a one point lead at 17-16 Philippines.

India would continue their tenacious gameplay against the Asian heavyweights in the second quarter, not letting the lead get out of hand. But Romeo, Blanche and De Ocampo would step up and ensure the Philippines would end the quarter with a six point lead. IND 36-42 PHI at the end of the second.

The weak bench that is the bane of the Indian team would return to haunt them in the second half, as the Gilas would gradually extend their lead. The Indians’ fatigue was perceived by their opponents, who gained steam to end the quarter fifteen points ahead, leaving the scoreboard reading IND 50-65 PHI.

A weary Indian quintet stepped on to the hardwood in the last quarter, seeming purposeful. But their enervation would be exposed by the seamless Philippines. The Indians’ gameplay wilted in the face of a well-coordinated Gilas charge, and the inevitability of the loss would cause panic in their offense. Philippines went for the jugular and ended the game with a massive thirty-four point lead.

The scoreboard read PHI 99-65 IND at the final buzzer. Terrence Romeo was the Gilas’ star, ending with twenty points. Indian captain Vishesh Bhriguvashi led their scoring with 21 points, while center Amrtipal Singh finished with a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds.

Earlier in the day, a vengeful Iran would trounce Palestine 94-48, to wash away the bitterness of yesterday’s defeat to Philippines. This would prove the double-edged sword that ended Palestine’s quarterfinal hopes and thrust India into the quarter-finals.