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Top 5 Asian Qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup

Top 5 Asian Qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup

The first round of the FIBA Asia qualifiers is coming to an end as 16 teams are battling for the chance to appear at the 2019 FIBA World Cup. As a result, let’s dive in and take a look at the top 5 teams so far.

1. Australia

Photo: FIBA

The Australian Boomers continue to be strongly favored after defeating the Philippines, a tough opponent. The Boomers are sitting comfortably on top of Group B, with 4 wins and 0 losses, after defeating Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) 88-68, ensuring their advancement to the second round of the qualifiers. Will the Australian Boomers be able to carry their momentum through to the next round after their outstanding performance in the first?

2. Jordan

Photo: FIBA

Team Jordan also had an easy path to the first round. With an unbeaten record of 4 wins and 0 losses, including two wins against Syria as well as wins over India and Lebanon, Team Jordan managed to secure a first place spot in Group C. Averaging 23.3 points in the last 4 games, Darquavis Lamar Tucker played remarkably well and shined the brightest for the Jordanians, leading them into the second round of the Asian Qualifiers, where they have to face China, Korea, and New Zealand from Group E. The top three in this Group will be guaranteed a spot in the FIBA World Cup, but will team Jordan hang on and make it that far?

3. China

Photo: FIBA

As the host country of the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Team Dragon is not holding back as they continue to claw their way through the Asian qualifiers, with a record of 3 wins and 1 loss. Unfortunately, China was missing a few of their top players for the first few games, however, that did not stop their ambition to make it through to the next round. The Dragons coasted through 2 wins against Hong Kong and also had no problem taking down Korea 92-81. Now that their two stars are finally back on the roster, will Guo Ailun and Yi Jianlian, two of China’s top five players, be able to lead their country on to the next stage?

 4. Lebanon

Photo: FIBA

Despite the disappointment of underachieving last summer, the Cedars came back with a better team and are drooling with eager in order to make it up for the Lebanese fans. The Cedars breezed through their first game 107-72 against India and then blew them out again in their last game, with an overwhelming score of 90-50 following a stressful win against dangerous Syria. Regardless of the loss against the undefeated Jordan, the Cedars seem prepared for the battles lying ahead. They secured their place in the second round, where they will have to face powerhouse teams China, Korea, and New Zealand. With some of the top teams standing in their way, will Lebanon be able to fight through the second round?

5. New Zealand

Photo: FIBA

New Zealand sailed through their first win against Hong Kong with a remarkable 133-74 win, and opened up the second window with another win against China. The Tall Blacks are currently sitting at 3 wins and 1 loss in Group A after a 93-84 crucial victory over team Korea. It was an important win for the Tall Blacks as they unfortunately lost their first game of the tournament, 80-86 against team Korea. Despite their first loss, the Tall Blacks managed to find their stride and secured the top spot in Group A. New Zealand will be playing their final games in June. Will they be able to make it through the second round and make an appearance at FIBA World Cup in 2019?

 

I guess we’ll have to wait a couple of months!

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