It was semi-final day in Bangkok, but first up it was the 5th/6th play off between China and India. China had a strong first quarter thanks to some interceptions leading to easy baskets on the fast break. India tried hard to match up but struggled to keep up with the pace of the game and fell behind by 10 points at the first break. China then put the game out of India’s reach with a 23 point second period to go to the half 31 points up. India had their best quarter of the tournament as they outscored China 19-14 in the third. Unfortunately they couldn’t sustain their run into the last period and China ran out easy winners 85-33. Heading up the scoresheet for China were Tang Mengfan (32 points), Qin Xulei (18 points) and Zhu Zhencong (14 points), while for India Venkatram again led the way with 12 points but had support from Augustua Arul (8 points) and Lakshmanan (7 points). Download boxscore
Next up was the first semi-final which saw the unbeaten Japan once more take on the host nation. Thailand, who had caused them a few worrying moments in the round games and were expected to do the same today. Both teams came out looking a little tentative, but Japan with their trademark press created enough turnovers to allow Chokai to use his pace and break free, scoring 12 points for the quarter and giving Japan a 6 point lead. An even second quarter saw Thailand trailing by only 8 at the half time break. Thailand’s Pongsakorn Sripirom for his team and led the way with 14 points in the first half. A tight third quarter saw neither teamget into a free running game and going into the final 10 minute there were only 12 points separating the two teams. Half way through the final quarter Thailand lost their captain and leading scorer Sripirom to his fifth foul, and they then struggled to find any other scoring options. Japan took advantage of this and ran away with the game to record their sixth win of the week, 61-37. Renshi Chokai once again top scored for Japan with 22 points, while Sripirom (20 points) and Tunsard (14 points) scored the bulk of Thailand’s points. Download boxscore
Iran and Australia once again did battle in the second semi-final, and the big question was could Australia contain Mohammadhassan Sayari who had caused havoc for them in the group stage. The first quarter went well for Australia as they kept Sayari scoreless with some strong defensive, especially inside the key where he has been so damaging all week. Australia maintained the pressure allowing Sayari to score just two points for the first half and took a seven point lead into half time. The third quarter the game was turned on it’s head, a change of tactic from Iran meant they found a way to get their big men free, and coupled with some wayward passing from the Australians they turned the half time deficit to take a 3 point lead into the final quarter. The score exchanged hands a number of times in the fourth, but it was th Iranian’s who were more clinical with their finishing and edged the victory 64 – 59. Sarayi (27 points) led the way for Iran, ably supported by Motjaba Kamali (12 points) and Ali-Karimi Kerdabadi (10 points), while for Australia Tom O’Neil-Thorne finished with 23, back up by Jake Fullwood (14 points) and Brian Carminati (13 points). Download boxscore
With three places for the U23 World Championships up for grabs, Japan and Iran have now secured their spots, whilst the winner of the bronze medal game between Australia and Thailand will take the third spot.
Scores
- 5th/6th play off - China 85 - 33 India
- Semi-final: Japan 61 -37 Thailand
- Semi-final: Iran 64 - 59 Australia
Final Day Games:
- 12:00 – Bronze Medal Match - Australia v Thailand (the winner qualifying for the U23 World Championships)
- 14:30 – Final – Japan v Iran
