Philippines Basketball
Sid Ventura 6y

Iran and China clash for Asian Games basketball gold

JAKARTA - China stamped its class on Chinese Taipei while Iran exacted a measure of revenge on Korea as the two Asian powerhouses arranged a duel for the men's basketball gold medal in the 18th Asian Games here. The two sides meet on Saturday for the championship.

In the first semifinal game, naturalized center Ricardo Ratliffe's 37 points were not enough as Iran outplayed Korea, 80-68, in a rematch of the gold medal game four years ago in Incheon which was won by the hosts by just two points.

Former Memphis Grizzlies center Hamed Haddadi led the way with 23 points as Iran let Ratliffe score almost at will and instead clamped down on the Koreans' dreaded outside shooting. Korea shot just 4 of 14 from beyond the arc and were held to their lowest point total of the tournament. Heo Ilyoung, who had 17 points including four triples in Korea's quarterfinal win over the Philippines last Monday, was held scoreless.

In the night cap, China pulled away in the second half with a huge third quarter to plaster Chinese Taipei, 86-63. From a close 37-30 halftime score, the Chinese stepped on the gas pedal in the third, outscoring their opponents 31-12 to put the game beyond reach.

Houston Rockets center Zhou Qi had 22 points and 16 rebounds, while Wang Zhelin added 18.

China will be going for its eighth Asian Games basketball gold while Iran is gunning for its first.

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