2016 FIBA Asia Challenge: India thrash Kazakhstan to enter quarterfinals
Mumbai: India completed a memorable 100-90 win over Kazakhstan in their last match of the second round, to book their place in the quarterfinals of the 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge, in Tehran, Iran, on Wednesday.
Talwinderjit Singh turned out to be the unlikely hero of the match, as he notched up 32 points, to hand India their first ever back-to-back win in the competition.
The Indian cagers started off at a slow pace, as Kazakhstan marched into a 21-19 lead by the end of the first quarter. Coach Sat Prakash Yadav’s men shot their way into a nine-point lead at half time.
While the Kazakhs managed to claw their way back into the game, ending Q3 at 71-all, India completely blew their opponents away in Q4. Forward Yadwinder Singh, captain Amrinder Singh, and power forward Amjyot Singh combined to notch up a spell where India scored eight back-to-back points, without any reply.
Amritpal arguably had his best game of the tournament, scoring 27 points. His 2.07m frame was an important presence at the posts for India, as he notched up seven rebounds, and made a couple of blocks. He also provided two assists and made two steals during the match.
This win takes India into the quarterfinals of the tournament, as the fourth placed team of Group E. However, a tough test awaits for the Indian hoopsters in the next round, as they have to face Iran.
