The underdog will have its day
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail
China Daily, September 25, 2011
|
|
|
China's Ding Jinhui (L) tries to work his way free of South Korea's Moon Tae-jong during China's semifinal victory on Saturday night. China defeated South Korea 56-43 and advanced into the final on Sunday. The host will play Jordan. [Photo: China Daily] |
The individual members of Jordan's basketball team are pretty average.
As a team, though? Maybe the best in Asia.
Jordan defeated the Philippines, 75-61, on Saturday at the 26th FIBA Asia Championship, proving its quarterfinal victory over two-time defending champion Iran was no fluke.
"Our key for advancing to the final was to put aside our personal goals. As a team we are dangerous, as a group of individuals, we are not," said Jordan head coach Thomas Baldwin.
|
|
|
China's Sun Yue (L) goes for a basket against a South Korean player during China's semifinal victory at the 2011 FIBA Asia Men's Basketball Championship in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, Sept 24, 2011. [Photo: China Daily] |
"It feels very much like a dream coming true. But it is real. We really do want to win the final, and we are really not satisfied with where we are. I want it (the title) so much."
After struggling to establish any tempo in the first half, Jordan regained its defensive intensity and offensive discipline in the third quarter to upset the Filipinos and move within one win of its first Olympic appearance.
Jordan sharp shooter Rasheim Wright and swingman Zaid Abbas scored a combined 38 points to lead the offense, while Islam Abbaas' defense held Marcus Douthit, the tournament's top scorer, to nine points in the first half.
Playmaker Osama Daghles knocked down two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to seal the game.
Facing China, which thrashed Jordan by 33 points in the group stage, in the final, Wright said he is keen to exact revenge from the host.
|
|
|
Players of Jordan celebrate with their national flag after their semifinal victory over the Philippines at the 2011 FIBA Asia Men's Basketball Championship in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, Sept 24, 2011. Jordan won the match by 75-61. [Photo: Xinhua] |
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)