Defending champs Australia thrash Thailand, China race past Lanka in FIBA U-18 Asia Cup

Defending champions and strong contenders Australia started their campaign with a thumping 102-32 win against Thailand in the FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup, which got underway at the Veer Sawarkar stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Australia hoopsters brooked no challenge from Thailand as they scored at will. Jai Falalala was at his best as he toyed with the rival defence, which proved ineffective. Jai scored 22 points and was ably supported by Isaac Riddle, who got 15, and Antonio Browne who scored 10 points.

China raced to a 103-55 win over South Asia Basketball Association (SABA) qualifiers Sri Lanka to record their first win in the FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup

China, who have been a dominating force in Asia, raced to a 103-55 win over South Asia Basketball Association (SABA) qualifiers Sri Lanka to record their first win.

Yang Yuhan proved unstoppable as he scored 23 points, while Yizhaojie Zhang got 20 points to his credit.

In a close game, Chinese Taipei, who were trailing 29-53 at half-time, turned the tide in the second half before losing out by the narrowest margin to the Philippines. Chinese Taipei went down fighting 88-89.

Chinese Taipei went down fighting 88-89 to the Philippines

Carter Matthew with 23 points and Ting-kuan Liu with 21 points were the star players for Chinese Taipei, while Jan Bennett was the topscorer for the Philippines with 21 points.

New Zealand, another favourite to be among the qualifiers, encountered stiff resistance from Syria before etching out a 67-58 win.

Bahrain, who took a 10-point lead early in the game against Lebanon, maintained it before ending up with a 74-68 victory.

New Zealand encountered stiff resistance from Syria before etching out a 67-58 win

India will take on Japan in a late evening match on Friday but will really have to raise their game to make a mark and qualify as they are grouped along with Korea and Kazakhstan.

Sixteen teams from across Asia and Ocenia are taking part in this 11-day event and the top 4 teams will qualify for the FIBA Under-19 World Cup scheduled to be held in 2027.

Norman Isaac appointed event director of FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup in Ahmedabad

Results: China 103 (Yang Yuhan 23, Yizhaojie Zhang 20, Feiyan Lyi 14, Xian Hao 10) beat Sri Lanka 55 (Liam Thomas 13, S Kalaluwage 11).

Bahrain 74 (MHA F Baqer 19, Rayan 10, Mohd Adel Abdullah 10) beat Lebanon 68 (Charbep El Herera 10, Jeffy Khairallah 14, Jihnny Sawma 27).

Bahrain, who took a 10-point lead early in the game against Lebanon, maintained it before ending up with a 74-68 victory

New Zealand 67 (Jackson Ball 19, Hoani Togia 10, Arana Robertson 11, Aubrey Chunga 11) beat Syria 56 (T Aldassouki 15, Majak 11).

Philippines 89 (Patrick Mathew 16, Jan Bennett 21, Lino Jr 10, Prince Carino 10) beat Chinese Taipei 88 (Ting-kuan Liu 21, Carter Matthew Coleman 23, Jia-Han Huang 15).

Australia 102 (Isaac Riddle 15, Jai Falala 22, Antonio Browne 10) beat Thailand 32 (Alexander Jr David 10).