FIBA Asia Championship: India Enter Quarter-finals For The First Time in 12 Years

India qualified for the quarter-finals of the 28th FIBA Asia Championship here on Tuesday. This is their first entry in the knock-out round in 12 years. (India defeat Palestine)

India lost 65-99 to Philippines in the last match of the second round on Tuesday but still qualified on the basis of their two wins in the last three games, the biggest over Palestine on Sunday.

While both teams finished with the same Group record of 2-3, India won their only head-to-head matchup and will now face the winner of China-Qatar match.

Commenting on the achievement, veteran forward Yadwinder Singh said, "We are ecstatic to have qualified and all the players have put in a lot of effort. Compared to teams in the past, the key difference has been the improved showing of our big men Amjyot Singh and Amritpal Singh."

Both Amjyot and Amritpal are professionals in the Japanese developmental league, and their exposure abroad is showing immediate divided.

India started off strong against Philippines, winning the first quarter 17-16. However, the Philippines kicked in during the second quarter and took a 42-36 lead into halftime. I

n the second half, the tired legs of India couldn't keep up, as a rested and deep Philippines team took off on large runs.

Captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi led the team with 21 points while Amritpal Singh matched former-NBA player Andre Blatche blow for blow with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Star Amjyot Singh had an off-night with 11 points and 5 rebounds.

India (Vishesh Bhriguvanshi 21 pts, 3 rbs & 3 asts; Amritpal Singh 18 pts & 13 rbs; and Amjyot Singh 11 pts & 5 rbs) lost to Philippines (T Romeo 20 pts & 4 asts; A. Blatche 15 pts & 5 stls; and R. DeCampo 13 pts) 65-99 (17-16, 19-26, 14-23, 15-34)