China to play Lebanon for 5th place in FIBA Asia Cup

BEIRUT, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- China will be playing Lebanon for fifth after routing Jordan 86-55 Saturday and Lebanon outpacing the Philippines 106-87 in the games played for classification from 5 to 8.

China almost led from start to finish, and though a third quarter run saw Jordan get to within four points down to China, it was the closest they would get the rest of the way.

A dominant 31-11 final period sealed Jordan's fate, as they had no answers for China, who led with an incredibly efficient 14 points from 19-year old Hu Jinqiu, who did not miss a shot.

Wu Qian and Hu Dejun added 13 points-a-piece, whilst Mohammad Hussein led Jordan with 18 points and 8 rebounds, and Amin Abu Hawwas joined him in double figures with 12 points.

Lebanon for its part dominated every offensive category whilst Norvel Pelle took care of things on the defensive end, on their way to a convincing 106-87 victory over the Philippines.

It sets up a fifth place playoff with China tomorrow, whilst Philippines will aim for seventh when they face Jordan

The athletic Pelle took charge for Lebanon, finishing one block shy of a triple double, going for 23 points, 13 rebounds and 9 blocks, whilst Fadi El Khatib was dominant on his way to 36 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists.