HANGZHOU: The Philippines won their first Asian Games basketball gold since 1962 while Japan defied the Hangzhou crowd to thrash North Korea 4-1 and retain their women’s football crown on Friday.
American-born naturalized player Justin Brownlee was the star for the basketball-mad Philippines, pouring in 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to help down Jordan 70-60.
Former Brooklyn Nets starter Rondae Hollis-Jefferson poured in a game-high 24 points but it was not enough to inspire Jordan to a first Asian Games gold in history in basketball. “Everyone came together and that was a great team effort,” said Ivory Coast-born Angelo Kouame, who added 14 points for the Philippines. “It means a lot after all these years, and that’s bigger than all of us.” At Huanglong Sports Center Stadium, holders Japan found it hard going in the first half against a determined North Korea in the women’s football final.
The crowd of more than 35,000 gave the North Korean national anthem a huge cheer and were overwhelmingly in favor of Japan’s opponents.