India completed their participation at the BRICS Games after posting losses against Russia (19th June) and South Africa (20th June). The Games were held from June 17 to June 20 in Guangzhou, China.
Against Russia, India continued to struggle in the paint in the absence of their starting big man Amritpal Singh, and were out-rebounded 54 – 34. Amjyot Singh Gill top-scored with 20 points. The Indian team put up a much stronger fight against South Africa, in what was essentially a contest for third place, after each team had lost their previous games against China and Russia.
The Indian team began the game quick off the blocks, and held a 12 point lead at the end of the first quarter. South Africa clawed back quickly, and the game was tied 33-33 going into half time. The teams continued to trade baskets right until the end of the third quarter, with neither team able to break the deadlock. But South Africa put on the afterburners in the fourth quarter, outscoring India 31-18 and taking the last spot on the podium. Amjyot Singh Gill put in another strong performance with 32 points that included 4 treys from beyond the arc. The hosts China finished the tournament as runners-up, as they were beaten by Russia 53-58 on the final day of the tournament.
This post was published on June 23, 2017 6:35 pm