Kazakhstan defeat Qatar in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
DOHA, November 25, 2017 - Qatar's bid to qualify for the FIBA World Cup in 2019 got off to a disappointing start when they fell to an upset 82-70 loss to Kazakhstan in their opening Group D qualifier in Doha on Friday.
Kazakhstan were the least favoured team in the group, which also includes Iran and Iraq, but they surprised the hosts with a scintillating third quarter performance for a vital win that would stand them in good stead in the long road to China 2019. Anton Ponomarev was the star for Kazakhstan with 23 points, while Abdulrahman Saad excelled for Qatar with 20.
The teams were evenly poised after the first quarter with 20 points each although Qatar were marginally better in the second period, which they edged 26-23.
But the match turned on its head in the third quarter when the Kazakhs racked up 19 points while limiting the Qataris to just seven. That gave the Kazakhs a crucial 62-53 lead with the final 10 minutes remaining during which the visitors further consolidated to clinch a famous win.
In another match in Group D, Iraq upset favourites Iran 74-66. Iran were the runners-up at the Asian Cup in Beirut in August. Meanwhile, Jayson Castro hit some big shots in the endgame as the Philippines thwarted Japan, 77-71, in Group B.Castro scored 5 points in quick succession in the latter stages of the fourth quarter as Gilas Pilipinas dowsed water on Japan's last ditch rally.
The man called “The Blur" back in Manila finished with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the Philippines. Andray Blatche did his part, finishing with 13 points, 12 boards and 3 blocks.
Japan stayed within striking distance for the entire game, even leading at one point in the third period, but the Filipinos played well enough to stave off the home team's challenge. Makoto Hiejima shone for Japan with 20 points and 5 assists.
Philippines return home to host Chinese Taipei on 27 November at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while Japan fly out to Adelaide to face Australia at the Titanium Arena.
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