China’s national men’s basketball red team Tuesday beat the Philippines 82 - 80 at the GBK-Basket Hall after a nail biting win at the opener of the Group B match in Jakarta at the 2018 Asian Games.
China's up and coming center Zhou Qi scored 25 points along with 12 rebounds and 7 blocks. The leading player of the Philippines, Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson, got 28 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
China’s national men’s basketball red team dominated the first quarter due to the smooth scoring and effective defense which led China a 20-12 advantage. Zhou Qi, the drafted Houston Rockets center took four three point attempts grabbing 9 points as well as 2 blocks and stun the court.
The Philippines closed the gap during the second quarter, but China still took a slim lead of 36-31 over the Philippines at half time.
Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson of the Philippines during the group game against China at the GBK-Basket Hall in Jarkata on August, 21. /VCG Photo
The 26-year-old Philippine Jordan Clarkson, the current point guard of the Cleveland Cavaliers led chasing runs, cutting the gap at the third quarter and the Philippines tied the game with 74 -74 during the fourth quarter.
During the last few minutes the two sides sank into a seesaw battle. Chinese point guard Zhao Rui broke the deadlock with a steal dashing to a lay-up. The Philippines failed to make a three but made a foul. Zhao scored two free throws ending the match at 82 -80.
Next, China’s national men’s basketball red team will meet their Kazakhstani counterpart on Thursday.