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Indian basketball team stun China

dev_moh

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http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/indian-basketball-team-stun-china-3029220/


In a rare feat, the Indian men’s basketball team stunned formidable China in its second-round group E encounter to stay in contention for a quarterfinal berth in the FIBA Asia Challenge here today.

The Indians triumphed 70-64 to hand the group-toppers their first loss. This was India’s second win in four matches and the team is currently placed third in the group.

The Indians need to finish inside the top-four to make the last-eight stage and will take on Kazakhstan in their final group encounter tomorrow.

India had earlier beaten China two years ago in the FIBA Asia Cup. Hero of yesterday’s triumph was Amritpal Singh who carried the team to the momentous victory with a superb all-round performance.

China was ahead 17-14 after the first quarter, putting up a lead that stood the highest at 9 points in the middle of the second period.

However, India scripted a turnaround from there. With China leading 27-18 in the second quarter, India tightened up their defense and went on the offensive, stated a release from FIBA.

Amritpal and Amjyot paired up to spark a 13-2 run that ended the first half 31-29 to hand India a slim 2-point advantage at the break. The Chinese could not surpass the lead after that.

The Indian defense was impeccable and forced the Chinese into committing errors. India scored 22 points off turnovers.

The 25-year-old Amritpal who plays professionally in Japan, recorded 23 points, hauled down 14 rebounds, blocked 3 shots and had 3 steals in a fantastic show of skill.

He outplayed China’s erstwhile star Hu Jinqiu, who managed 19 points and 9 boards.


Highlights:--

 
Nothing rare here, though India is ranked 53rd much lower than China 14th, India has defeated China in FIBA Asia Cup in 2014 as well. It will be interesting to see the knock out rounds. We still have to defeat Kazhakistan to secure our place in top 4 in the group.


Indian also beat Phillipines ranked 27.
Hopefully they beat Kazhakistan and make it to Quarters.
 
The two Asian powerhouse China and Philippines sent their B team for FIBA Asia Challenge, not surprised they're beaten. Indian team is no pushover.
 
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Great stuff! :tup:

Volleyball is more popular in India than basketball & is widely played around the country... however I'm puzzled about the lack of international success for India in that sport.
 
Great stuff! :tup:

Volleyball is more popular in India than basketball & is widely played around the country... however I'm puzzled about the lack of international success for India in that sport.

I tried basketball in college, and was pretty good at it. :)
 
Despite beating the team-B's of both China & the Philippines, its still quite an impressive showing from a pretty young lineup. Gone are the days when Indian teams get blown out and at least now they have a stable system that should only improve their level of play in the future.

PS. Its pretty hard to believe Amritpal Singh started playing basketball at the age of 19 and look at him now. Impressive stuff.

Indian also beat Phillipines ranked 27.
Hopefully they beat Kazhakistan and make it to Quarters.

They're already in. Likely gonna face hosts Iran.
 
That's an impressive win for Indian team, considering they were blown out by 46 point just last year.
 
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