Gilas stays alive as Kazakhstan defeats Qatar

INCHEON, South Korea – Gilas Pilipinas is down but not yet totally out as Kazakhstan beat Qatar, 65-57, in the nightcap in the 17th Asian Games men's basketball here Saturday.

Qatar led at the onset but Kazakhstan fought back in the second half to pull off the win that keep the race for the group's second semis berth wide open.

Gilas lost to Qatar by nine, 77-68, on Friday.

Gilas will now hope for a Korea win over Qatar and a double digit win over Kazahkstan to advance.

In the other games, Japan shocked China, 79-72, and stayed in the hunt for a semis berth as Korea and Iran were the first teams to advance.

Korea dealt Gilas a 97-95 heartbreaker while Iran easily dispatched Mongolia, 107-69, as both teams stayed unbeaten in the tournament.