(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Philippines topped Group B with a 80-74 win to hold off a relentless Qatar at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup basketball tournament yesterday. Matthew Wright had 11 of his 25 points in the first quarter to get the Philippines off to the start they needed and hit huge baskets throughout, as his squad finished the Group Phase at 3-0.
The Philippines were hot from beyond the arc, knocking down nine of their fifteen triples in the first half in front of a raucous crowd to remain in control. Qatar kept on fighting, led by Mansour Elhadary, and got back within five in the fourth but were unable to get over the hump, thanks in large part to the play of Wright. Cruz added 13 points for the Philippines, while Elhadary had 23 points and 6 assists for Qatar, and Saad finished with 18.
China survived a scare to prevail with a 61-60 victory over Iraq. With Iraq leading by 9 with just over four minutes remaining, the upset of the tournament appeared to be on, but China refused to go down without a fight.
Ailun Guo caught fire, scoring 10 of his 19 points in the final three minutes to see China through. Han was the only other player in double figures for China with 11. Omar Alazawi led Iraq with 22 on 8 of 13 shooting, going six of seven from beyond the arc.
On Saturday, Lebanon ensured they kept the home fans happy with a 96-74 win over Kazakhstan. The hosts led from start to finish, jumping out to an 8-2 lead with some pretty ball movement to open the game and never looking back. Defensively holding Kazakhstan to just 10 points in the second period made matters worse for the visitors, as Lebanon improved to 2-1 and set up a qualification to quarter-finals match-up with Chinese Taipei.
Wael Arakji had 20 points and 5 assists to lead Lebanon, as they also received 18 points from Fadi El Khatib. Kazakhstan saw 23 points from Rustam Yargaliyev and 19 from Mikhail Yevstigneyev but it would not be enough as they saw their hopes of advancing dashed.
Korea watched Shea Ili's shot bounce off the rim as time expired to pull out a 76-75 win over New Zealand. Despite the loss, Kiwis stay on top of Group C due to points difference.
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