2014 FIBA Asia Cup: India through to the quarterfinals after thumping Indonesia 91-55

Vishesh Brighuvanshi (File photo)

The Indian basketball team is through to the quarterfinals of the FIBA Asia Cup after registering a crushing 91-55 win over Indonesia.

India came into their match against on a high after their historic triumph over China in the previous game. They were considered favourites heading into the match against the 68th-ranked opponents.

First Quarter

Indonesia started aggressively with the first three points of the game. India got on the scoreboard thanks to Amrit Pal Singh who scored from the free throw line. The Indonesians got on the offensive, but the Indians did not allow them to score.

Indian captain Vishesh Bhrighuvanshi netted the ball for a three pointer. The skipper put in another three and Prakash Mishra scored as India led by 17-6 in the early stages of the game. Indonesia continued their attack on the India defense, and two bad turnovers cost India as Indonesia capitalised to bring down the lead to 24-11. The captain entered into double digits as the first quarter ended at 28-13.

Second Quarter

Indonesia started the second quarter by holding on to possession and denying India any opportunity to score. Pringgo Regowo scored first.

Narender Grewal had a pretty good game up to that point as he blocked and Amjyot tried to finish a point, but was fouled. Amjyot converted from the free throw line and India extended their lead to 33-15.

Indonesian players were not able to make inroads into the Indian defense as Prasanna Kumar hit a 3-pointer.

India dominated the second quarter 21-7 and were up 49-20 at halftime.

Third Quarter

The captain began the quarter on a positive note with a 2-pointer. But Indonesia struck back with four quick points, much to the dismay of Indian coach Scott Flemming.

A string of 3-pointers ensued as Brighuvanshi scored with a double clutch layup. Palpreet Singh denied Indonesia a certain scoring opportunity during the dying stages of the third quarter.

Indonesia ended the quarter with a three, but India were ahead by 67-35.

Fourth Quarter

Prakash Mishra began the scoring as he put in a 2-pointer. Indonesia were unable to convert their good passing to points.

Indonesia defended well at the end, but it was a tad late for them. Prasanna scored another 3-pointer thanks to a pass by Amjyot.

Amjyot had a tremendous last quarter with 12 of his 14 points coming in this segment. India did not allow Indonesia to come back into the game right from the start and won comprehensively 91-55.

The Indian team has now proved that the last victory against fancied China was not a one-off. They are through to the quarterfinals with this win.

They take on Asian champions Iran in their last preliminary round match.