Jakarta, July 18 (Agency) India bowed out of FIBA Asia Cup after they were defeated by Lebanon 104-63 in the pre-quarter stage here on Sunday. The Cedars took the opportunity to rest Wael Arakji which allowed youngsters like Yousef Khayat (15 points) and Karim Zeinoun (10 points) to step up. In total, six players scored in double-digits in the crushing win where Lebanon shot 59.1 per cent from the field and 52.1 per cent from the three-point line. Jonathan Arledge was all over the place for Lebanon with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks.
Arledge’s play (as well as the rest of the team) was at a high enough level to keep the lead at a distance where Lebanon wouldn’t be pressured to put Wael Arakji into action. There was not much India could do to stop Lebanon when they scored like they did, converting at a blistering rate of 59.1 per cent from the floor and 52.1 per cent from beyond the arc. “Last game for us, not a great tournament, but for young players, this is a big experience,” Veselin Matic, India Head Coach, stated. “We finished the best way possible with three wins in a row,” Jad El Hajj, Lebanon Head Coach, said.