India went down 87-58 to Chinese Taipei to finish at the bottom of Group ‘A’, in the FIBA women’s Asia Cup Division-A basketball tournament here on Thursday.
India, without a win in its three group matches, will face Philippines in the 7th-place playoff match on Friday. The winner will remain in the elite Division-A, while the loser will be relegated to Division-B in the next edition.
Chinese Taipei pulled ahead to a big 28-10 lead by the end of the first quarter, leaving India with a mountain to climb. The home team fared better in the next two periods, when the visiting side chose to deploy the bench players.
The fourth quarter witnessed far too many turnovers from India, allowing Chinese Taipei to complete an easy victory.
China wins thriller
Earlier, China edged out Australia 70-69 to finish on top of Group ‘A’. The match went down to the wire, with China up 68-67 with 10 seconds to go. Diminutive Australian point guard Leilani Mitchell then put her side ahead by a point, cutting into the lane and finishing strong.
China came roaring back through forward Shao Ting, who first made space with a turntable move before laying it in with her left hand. With time running out, Australia fumbled and gave up a turnover on the last play.
Group toppers Japan and China have booked semifinal berths, while the second and third placed teams will compete in the quarterfinals.
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