Day three of the Central and East Asia Oceania Qualifying Tournament began with Thailand men’s team up against India. In a spirited first period, India matched Thailand for the most part to trail by six at the first break. Thailand’s head coach Abbas Aghakouchaki strengthened his line up in the second period, and they quickly pushed ahead to put the game out of India’s leading 39 – 16.
As Thailand grew in confidence they comfortably won the third and fourth quarter, to secure a 96-24 victory over India. Pongsakorn Sripirom led all scorers with 18 points, with good support from Noppadol Wanna (14), Aekkasit Jumjarean (14) and Athin Singdong(14), while for India’s Varun Karkhanis again topped their scoresheet with 8 points. STATISTICS
In their second outing for the tournament newcomers Indonesia came up against the powerful Chinese men’s team and it proved to be a hard day at the office. China demonstrated why they are one of the favourites at the tournament, as they powered passed Indonesia, 117-12. Lin Yinhai (37 including 7 from outside the arc), Li Yiquan (33) and Deng Jianchun (25) did the damage for China. STATISTICS
In the first game of the day in the women’s competition, Afghanistan met Laos. Laos, who came into the game following their close loss against Cambodia were hoping to open their account, but Afghanistan had other ideas. After a fairly even first half the Afghan women held a slight six point advantage, but it was in the third period they took a stronghold on the game to take an 18 point lead into the final quarter. Afghanistan sealed their second win of the tournament, going further ahead in the last quarter to win, 40-16. Shaban Akbari (12) was again lead scorer with good support from Mulkara Rahimi (10) and Jamila Wahidi (8), while Itsaly worked hard for her 8 points for Laos. STATISTICS
Thailand’s women, who were looking for their first win of the tournament, came to play against Cambodia. On the back of some great shooting by Thailand’s captain Natnapa Ponin (32 points) Thailand extended their lead at every change to run out 41-24 winners. An Sinet again top scored for Cambodia with 16 points. STATISTICS
The most exciting game of the day was between Malaysia and Hong Kong men. After an even first period, Malaysia’s won the second quarter 16-10 to lead by nine points at half time. The third period quarter belonged to Hong Kong as they fought back to trail by just three points, 36-33 going into the final ten minutes. The teams exchanged baskets at the start of the final quarter but then Malaysia went on a 6-0 run in the last two minutes to extend the advantage, and as Hong Kong fouled to gain possession Malaysia converted from the foul line to win 55-43. A big part of Malaysia’s game plan was keeping Hong Kong’s power forwards Chan Wing Kin and Alphonso To quiet, and they did so as Chan had minimal court time and To managed only 12 points. For Malaysia Zakaria (17) and Hamzah (17) were the primary scorers. STATISTICS
The final women’s game of the day saw India outgunned by the Iranian women in a one-sided affair led by Mahsa Saadatzeinadanloo’s 26 points, ending with a 74-4 scoreline. STATISTICS
The men’s programme finished with Afghanistan and Chinese Taipei opposed. After a tight opening period with only two points separating the teams, Chinese Taipei won the second quarter 9-0 to lead by eleven at half time. The momentum stuck with Chinese Taipei in the third as increased the difference to 25 points at the final change, Afghanistan rallied and won the final quarter, but it was too late as they went down, 61-38. Li Chun-Yi (19) and Tseng Sheng-Han (17) top scored for Chinese Taipei, while for Afghanistan captain Qatali (10) headed their scorers. STATISTICS
