Philippines break basketball drought as Japan defy crowd for gold

TDT | Manama    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Philippines won their first Asian Games basketball gold since 1962 while Japan defied the Hangzhou crowd to thrash North Korea 4-1 and retain their women’s football crown on Friday.

American-born Justin Brownlee was the star player for the basketball-mad Philippines, pouring in 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to help down Jordan 70-60.

Former Brooklyn Nets starter Rondae Hollis-Jefferson poured in a game-high 24 points but it was not enough to inspire Jordan to a first Asian Games gold in history in basketball.

“Everyone came together and that was a great team effort,” said Ivory Coast-born Angelo Kouame, who added 14 points for the Philippines.

“It means a lot after all these years, and that’s bigger than all of us.” At Huanglong Sports Centre Stadium, holders Japan found it hard going in the first half against a determined North Korea in the women’s football final.

The crowd of more than 35,000 gave the North Korean national anthem a huge cheer and were overwhelmingly in favour of Japan’s opponents.

The teams were deadlocked 1-1 at the break but Japan broke North Korea’s resistance with three quickfire goals in the space of six second-half minutes to put the result beyond doubt.

Breakdancing made its Asian Games debut ahead of an even bigger landmark appearance at the Olympics next year.

Making its Asiad debut even more significant, qualification for the Paris Games is up for grabs along with medals in Hangzhou.

In more traditional sport, India thrashed holders Japan 5-1 to reclaim the men’s hockey title they last held in 2014.

They also nabbed a spot for Paris. “We have made the nation proud,” said India’s South African coach Craig Fulton.

India crushed Bangladesh by nine wickets to power into the gold medal match of the men’s cricket and will face Afghanistan in Saturday’s final.

India are enjoying their best Asian Games ever and are set to soar past 100 medals.