Iraq's Duhok defeat Malaysia's WKL Dragons 88-76 in Group A – FIBA Asia Champions Cup
Chester Jarell Giles spearheaded the Iraqi champions Duhok as they defeated the Malaysian WKL Dragons 88-76 in Group A on Monday.
Giles was at his best during the game as he tallied game-high 28 points for Duhok. Out of his 28 points, 19 came in the second half of the game.
Dragons were quick to put the first points on board, but Duhok were quick to respond as they raced to a 10-5 advantage with 6:56 left in the first quarter. The Iraqis then reeled off a 15-3 run in the remaining portion of the first
half, taking a 28-13 into the second quarter.
Trailing by 15 points the Dragons picked up the pace in the second quarter, as they came charging from behind to reduce the shortfall. Malaysian Dragons allowed Duhok to score just 12 points during the entire period and in the
mean time thumped 25 points that put the lead down to just two (40-38), as the first half ends.
After a second quarter jolt, Duhok got themselves together in the third quarter and out played the Dragons with a 22-14 surge to take a solid 62-52 advantage into the final 10 minutes of the game. Qutaiba Al-Doori led Duhok’s attack
and made seven points in the frame including a dagger from the three-point range.
Duhok continued their assault in the fourth quarter as well and stretched their lead to 14-point. The Dragons looked toothless in front of the Duhok, who kept on busting open their fragile defence. The Iraqi squad kept their composure
as they glided through the rest of the quarter and registered an important win in their account by 12-point margin.
Abdalahad, the Iraqi coach said after the game,
“Our defense was in a mess in the first half. “Our talk during the half-time was just about how to lock them down and man to man it had to be all the way. That’s what helped us. We got more of the ball to CJ and I think he made
some real difficult shots.”
Chudnay Earl Gray and Qutaiba Al-Doori scored 19 points apiece for Duhok.
Coach Ariel Vanguardia said, “We have played very similarly on both days. We let them get ahead then fought back and allowed them go ahead yet again.”
Christopher Martin Ayer led the Dragons with 22 points along with 14 rebounds and four assists. Shee Fai Loh also added 14 points.
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