Australia thump Chinese Taipei to keep clean slate; Kiwis too confirm direct quarters berth

Australia continued their winning spree as they notched up their third consecutive victory. On Monday, the defending champions defeated defeating Chinese Taipei 110-58 in a lopsided game in Group A of FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup at the Veer Savarkar Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Australia dominated from the paint and with their shooters sinking baskets with a degree of flair raced to a 25-15 lead by the end of the first quarter.

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Jai Faale, Yahya Basaran and Isaac Riddle struck with high shooting percentage in the second quarter as Australia scored 34 against 10 by Taipei and crossed over with the scoreline reading 59-25 in their favour.

Taipei matched their opponents in the third quarter but let go the initiative in the final quarter to end up at 58-110 at regulation time.

Philippines stay in contention

Philippines ensured they stay in contention by defeating Thailand and moving to the qualification quarterfinal stage.  After a lacklustre start and trailing 17-25 at the 1st quarter, Philippines looked down and out. Things improved marginally for them in the second quarter, but they still had a four-point deficit (40-44) at the change of ends.

Alexander Jr of Thailand attempts a basket against Philippines

After the break Philippines dominated the third quarter scoring 31 against a meager 6 by Thailand which ensured a comfortable 91-62 win.

Philippines finished second behind Australia in Group A while Thailand being winless in their 3 games were knocked out of the Championship.

Luke Edward with 16 points top scored and found the basket in all his 3 attempts from beyond the three-point arc.  George Aidan Green and Elias Troh had 15 apiece and Kenji Morai scored 12 for Philippines.

Thanawat and Alexander had 13 points each for Thailand with Phurich top scoring with 14.

New Zealand confirm quarters berth

New Zealand became the second team after Australia to confirm their direct quarterfinal slot by winning their last round robin game against Lebanon with a convincing 113-62 margin after leading 58-31 at the break.

Chunga of New Zealand scores against Lebanon

After a rollicking start following tip off, New Zealand scored 25 points in the first quarter and followed it up 33 in the second quarter. Lebanon who lost all their games are out of the Championship

New Zealand outscored Lebanon in all four quarters with 6 of their players ending up with double digit scores.

Though Lebanon has a good shooting percentage of 42 they failed to control the boards falling way behind the winners at 11 to 35.

Results:

Australia 110 (Jai Faale 21, Yahya Basaran 15, John Aryang 12, Isaac Riddle 14) beat Chinese Taipei 58 (Carter Matthew Coleman 18, Ting-kuan Liu 9).

Philippines 91 (George Aidan Green 15, Elias Troh 15, Kenji Morai 12) beat Thailand 62 (Phurich 14, Thanawat 13, Alexander 13).

New Zealand 113 (Hunter Savill 14, Hoani Togia 12, Jackson Ball 19, Joshua Kelly 10, Arana Robertson 11, Kingston Kallahi-Aao 14) beat Lebanon 62 (Johnny Sawma 21, Charbel El Herera 13).