Asians struggle
Powerhouse teams China, Iran and South Korea also had a forgettable performance that sent them bombing out of medal contention of this prestigious 32-nation tournament
FOSHAN, China — Gilas Pilipinas isn’t the lone Asian team that struggled in the first round of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup.
Powerhouse teams China, Iran and South Korea also had a forgettable performance that sent them bombing out of medal contention of this prestigious 32-nation tournament.
China, for instance, opened its campaign with a 70-55 win over lowly Ivory Coast, sparking joy and celebration in this country of more than a billion people.
But the revelry didn’t last long.
China bowed to Poland, 76-79, before losing to Venezuela, 59-72, to bow out of contention, raising questions on the national team program and leadership of Chinese Basketball Association president Yao Ming.
Also not lucky were the Iranians, Koreans, Jordanians and Japanese.
Bannered by veterans Hammed Haddadi and Sahmad Nikhah Bahrami, the Iranians surrendered to Puerto Rico, 81-83 before losing to Tunisia, 67-79.
They, however, displayed some signs of life when they gamely challenged Spain before registering a 65-73 loss to finish the tournament without a win to show.
On the same note, Korea lost to Argentina, 69-95, before surrendering to Russia, 87-73, and Nigeria in a 42-point blowout, 66-108.
Jordan was not as fortunate as well as Dominican Republic blasted it, 80-76; France, 103-64; and Germany, 96-62.
Japan was also blown away by the United States as it suffered a 53-point embarrassment, 45-98, in a setback that came at the heels of its defeats to Turkey, 67-86, and Czech Republic, 76-89.
Still, the most lopsided loss in the tourney was handed by Serbia to the Philippines.
The Serbians crushed the Filipinos by 59-points, 126-67, following a 46-point lost to Italy, 62-108, to kiss their medal chances goodbye.
With these results, the lone Olympic spot for Asian countries remain available heading into the second round.