CHANGSHA-HUNAN (2015 FIBA Asia Championship) - Korea returned to the win column after a heartbreaking loss to China yesterday by demolishing Singapore, 87-45, in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.

To nobody’s surprise, Korea utilized its overwhelming size advantage to the hilt in this one, winning the battle of the boards. Defense was also key for coach Kim Dong-Kwang’s squad, which forced 21 Singaporean turnovers.

Kim Jong-Kyu and Choi Jun-Yong led the way for the victors, each recording a double-double, while Lee Jung-Hyun and Kang Sang-Jae rattled in 15 and 13 points respectively. Coach Kim chose to rest backcourt stalwarts Yang Dong-Geun, Cho Sung-Min, and Park Chan-Hee, no doubt in preparation for much tougher games in the second round.

Leon Kwek was the lone Singaporean in double-figures with 12 points, while Delvin Goh put up 8 points on top of 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. Singapore are relegated to the consolation round and can finish no higher than 13th place.

Turning Point: Singapore made a game of it in the first few minutes, sticking close to Korea, 11-6, in the 6:41 mark of the first quarter before the East Asia powehouse made headway and broke the game open. Korea scored the game’s next 10 points and that all but broke the spirits of their hapless foes.

Stats Don't Lie: More than the rebounding and defense, it was Korea’s playmaking that spelled the difference. 22 of Korea’s 29 made field goals came from assists, which is a testament to their sublime team play. Collegiate player Choi Jun-Yong dished out 8 of those assists, while Kim Tae-Sul and Lee Jung-Hyun each tallied five dimes.

Game Hero: Nobody could stop Kim Jong-Kyu here. The 207cm/6ft 10in center who plays for the Changwon LG Sakers in the KBL recorded 17 points on 5-of-8 field goal shooting while also collaring 10 rebounds. This was a good bounce back game from him after he had just 4 points and 3 rebounds against China.

The Bottom Line: Korea could’ve swept their group had they preserved last night impending win, but they are still in a good position and will take a 1-1 slate to the next round. Resting some key players was a wise decision, since Qatar, Lebanon,and Kazakhstan await in Group F.

FIBA