FIBA Asia 2015 Semifinals Live Stream & Schedule: China vs Iran, Philippines vs Japan Set on Friday
The top four Asian teams will look to move one step closer to earning a ticket to the 2016 Rio Olympics when they compete in the semifinals of the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship on Friday in Changsha, China.
China vs. Iran, 7:30 a.m. ET
Powerhouse teams China and Iran will collide in the first semifinal game of the day at the CSWC Stadium.
China are still undefeated in the tournament and are taking advantage of the huge crowd support that they are getting, while Iran are leaning on their championship experience, which was also the reason why they were tagged as heavy favorites before the tournament started.
The Chinese squad booked a spot in the semis with a 104-58 win against India on Thursday. On the other hand, Iran took down Korea, 75-62, during their quarterfinal match.
All eyes will be on the colossal matchup between two of the best big men in Asia - Yi Jianlian and Hamed Haddadi, who have been creating matchup problems all-tournament long.
Jianlian averaged 18.0 points and 8.0 rebounds in their first seven games, while Haddadi, a three-time FIBA Asia Championship Most Valuable Player posted 11 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
Chinese teen sensation Zhou Qi is expected to provide a big boost to China again. The 19-year-old averaged 9.6 points and 5.1 rebounds. On the other side, Mohammad Hassanzadeh will also play a critical role after posting 11.6 points and 8.0 rebounds in their first seven matches.
According to a report on the tournament's official website, Iran defeated China in their last three FIBA Asia Championship meetings. In 2013, Iran ran away with a 70-51 victory against China in Manila.
Philippines vs. Japan, 10 a.m. ET
Meanwhile, Philippines will look to seal their second consecutive FIBA Asia Championship final appearance, but they will have to deal with a pesky Japanese squad in the semis.
Japan earned a spot in the final four after scoring an 81-67 upset win against Qatar on Thursday. Joji Takeuchi has been outstanding in their first seven games as he posted team-highs 15.7 points and 11.6 rebounds.
Takeuchi will have his hands full, though, as he will be pitted against former NBA player Andray Blatche, who is averaging 17.3 points and 9.3 rebounds in the tournament.
Fans are also waiting for the matchup between point guards Jason Castro and Yuta Tabuse. Castro is averaging 17.4 points and 2.1 assists in the tournament, while Tabuse is norming 5.7 points on top of 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists, and also providing the much-needed leadership to his squad.
Live Stream & Where To Watch
Fans can catch the action through online streaming via Live Basketball TV. More broadcast information can also be seen on this link from the tournament's official website.
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