India lose to Qatar in Asia Cup

India lost its second consecutive match in the FIBA Asia Cup basketball 84-63 against Qatar in a Group B tie here Saturday.

India fell behind 15-6 in the first quarter itself. They rebounded well to reduce the lead by winning the the second quarter 19-16.

However, the West Asian giants, ranked 36 in the world, were ahead in the last two quarters 27-19, 26-19 to win the contest with ease.

India, ranked 58, next face Chinese Taipei in a must-win tie Sunday, after losing to Iran Friday.

India, who did not qualify for the last edition in Qatar 2010, gave their best performance at the Asia Cup in Kuwait 2008 where they finished fifth.