The atmosphere was electric, the support cacophonic, the occasion momentous, nerves scattered all over and most importantly the performance irresistible. Set against that background China’s 70-69 win – albeit nervy and hard-fought – against underdogs Jordan was not only overwhelmingly logical, but also reflective of the way the Dragon had raised its head again in FIBA Asia Championship.

Call it the David Vs. Goliath; call it red hot favorite hosts Vs. unfancied underdogs; call it by another analogy as you please. The Jordan Vs. China clash for the gold medal on Sunday – and the lone automatic qualifying spot for the London Olympics from FIBA Asia – is an encounter even the most clairvoyant among us wouldn’t have dared to bet on.

The Jordanian National team – known popularly as Al Nashama – showed enough character, courage, conviction and most importantly capabilities to live true to its nickname and carved out a 75-61 win against Philippines that put the WABA team in its first ever FIBA Asia Championship final.

Zaid Abbas’ ejection for five fouls midway through the final quarter notwithstanding, 2009 FIBA Asia Championship bronze medalists Jordan scripted a fairy tale 88-84 win against twice defending champions Iran in a stunning quarterfinal result on Friday.

Defending bronze medalists Jordan won their final Group E game against UAE 94-80 to confirm their place in the quarterfinals alright, but were already looking ahead only warily.