Defending champs Australia down Iran, set up semis clash against Korea; China meet Kiwis

Defending champions and strong contenders Australia faced little resistance from a hapless Iran team who had no clue to stop their marauding opponents at the FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Australia won 90-69 to make it to the semifinal where they face Korea, who defeated Chinese Taipei 107-79.

Iran cruise past hosts India 83-66 to set up quarterfinal clash against Australia

The proceedings after the tip off witnessed Australia surge ahead to 33-15 at the first quarter before changing ends at 50-26.

Yahya Basaran, Harry Cook and William Hamilton seized every opportunity to basket with their guards Antonio Browne, Bailey Hanson and John Aryang distributing well.

The Iranian players who could penetrative and score were Mohammad Yashar, Soheyl Nezhad. Matin Esmaeili controlled the game and fell back to defend when needed.

China down Philippines

In a match where tempers ran high even after the final whistle, China assured themselves of a berth in the FIBA World Cup next year with a 117-103 win over Philippines who fought all the way after falling behind 20-33 at the first quarter at the FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Patrick of Philippines attempts a basket against China in their FIA Under-18 Asia Cup quarterfinal match in Ahmedabad on Friday

China had an advantage with their taller players garnering 48 rebounds against 33 by the Philippines and that  put into shade the high percentage shooting by the loser.

Zichao Wang top scored for China with 25 while notable contributions came from Yuxiu Chan (23), Yizhaojie Zhang (16), and Xian Hao (16).

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For Philippines, Kenji Yob Moral scored 28, while Luke Edwards (14), Eithan Mathew and Jan Bennett (12 each), and George Aidan Green (11) were the others who were on the scoresheet.

Korea beat Chinese Taipei

Korea, starting off in right earnest, continued to keep Chinese Taipei at bay on way to recording a 107-79 win to enter the semifinal.

Korea had their defensive plan well worked out and ensured that the Taipei players are not given enough space to attempt from beyond the 3-point area.

Jinon Eom, who has been in prolific form, once again led the tally with 31 points, while the ever-dependable Jihoon Yoon mustered 28 points for the winners, who led 51-34 at halftime.

Jihoon Yoon of Korea goes for the basket in their quarterfinal game against Chinese Taipei

Other notable contributions came from Geonwoo Hoo (12), Jiwon Yoon (17) and captain Daehyeon Kweon got 10 points.

For Chinese Taipei, it was Carter Mathew Coleman with the highest individual score of 22 who stole the show. Yo-Sheng Zing (15), Jiw-Han Huang (12) and Tz-Jie Wang (10 points) being the other scorers.

New Zealand maul Japan

New Zealand, firing on all cylinders, proved far too superior as they mauled Japan 94-58 to enter the semifinal and with it assure themselves a qualification for the World Cup.

Much was expected from Japan but they just could not withstand the physical abilities, rebounding strategy. On top of it all, Japan was hardly allowed space in the paint.  The long-range shots hardly came by for Japan with a low 30% shooting.

Cole Hopoi of New Zealand in action during their quarterfinal match against Japan

The bench also stood out and after a 7-point lead in the first quarter, the winners held their opponents awestruck to clash with China in the semifinal in Saturday.

Results: China 117 (Zichao Wang 25, Yuzxiu Chan 23, Yizhaojie Zhang 6, Xian Hao 16) beat Philippines 103 (Kenji Yob Moral 28, Luke Edwards 14, Eithan Mathew 2, Jan Bennett 12, George Aidan Green 11).

Korea 107 (Jinon Eom 31, Jihoon Yoon 28, Jihon Yoon 17, Geonwoo Hoo 12, Daehyeon Kweon 10) beat Chinese Taipei 79 (Carter Mathew Coleman 22, Yo-Sheng Zing 15, Ji2-Han Huang 12, Tz-Jie Wang 10).

New Zealand 94 (Jackson Ball 20, Aubrey Chubga 14, Cole Hopoi 10, Hoani Ifopo Togia 10) beat Japan 58 (Kaito Nakamura 17, Alex McMillan 10, Roi Honda 10).

Australia 100 (Yahya Basaran 21, William Hamilton 10, Harry Cook 11) beat Iran 60 (Mohammad Yashar 11, Soheyl Nezhad 20, Esmaeili 16).