China claims fifth place in FIBA Asia Cup

BEIRUT, Aug 20 (Xinhua) -- China claimed fifth place on Sunday at the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 after securing a 79-78 win over Lebanon, who could not come up with a shot on their final possession.

Liu Xiaoyu's free throw with 37 seconds remaining proved to be the winner, following Wu Qian's clutch three to tie it up at 78 five seconds before.

Three players, Liu, Wu and Han Dejun, led China with 13 points each.

Chinese head coach Du Feng said he was satisfied with his players at this tournament.

"There are many youngsters in the team and they were nervious at the beginning and needed some run-in time. I think they improved a lot with the tournament going on," said Du.

Fadi El Khatib had an impressive final outing for the hosts, registering 30 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists but it was not the result he would have liked in his last game for Lebanon.

Norvel Pelle dominated defensively again for Lebanon, finishing with 8 blocks to go with his 8 points and 7 rebounds.

Earlier, the Philippines clinched a 75-70 victory over Jordan to claim seventh place at the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 on Sunday.

Terrence Romeo hit a huge three in the final minute, before Aguilar benefited from a fumbled pass to hit the go-ahead basket with 21 seconds remaining.

Jordan missed multiple opportunities, including a backcourt violation called on Abdeen with 14 seconds left, and a turnover on the final possession leading to a wide open lay up on the fast break for Roger Pogoy.

Terrence Romeo and Matthew Wright led the scoring for the Philippines, with 13 points-a-piece, whilst Mousa Alawadi had a game-high 21 to lead Jordan.

Mousa Al Awadi tied it up at 65 with 2:50 remaining, before a big three from Ahmad Alhamarsheh saw Jordan take the lead 68-65 and then an Alawadi runner gave them a five point cushion to set up the dramatic finish.