Spirited India lose to Lebanon in Asian Basketball

A spirited India made a valiant fightback before losing their opening match of the FIBA Asia Basketball Championship against Lebanon 68-71 at Wuhan in China today.

Updated on: Sep 15, 2011, 21:47:15 IST

PTI | By HT Correspondent, New Delhi

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A spirited India made a valiant fightback before losing their opening match of the FIBA Asia Basketball Championship against Lebanon 68-71 at Wuhan in China on Thursday.

Lebanon were leading by 15 points at the third quarter but the Indian hoopsters made a stunning comeback and took a seven-point lead at one stage in the final term.

But, the Indians lost steam towards the close and were beaten 68-71 in a thrilling Group A match at Hongshan arena.

India's Hareesh Koroth was the star, scoring 13 of his 20 points in the second half fightback including three long-range bombs.

Jean Abdel El Nour was Lebanon's saviour with 24 points, including eight in the final quarter.

In the other Group A match of the opening day, South Korea thrashed Malaysia 89-42.

India play Malaysia in their second group match on Friday.

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