SEREMBAN (Malaysia) – Hosts Malaysia claimed their first win in Group C of the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers, defeating Singapore 100-56 on Sunday and that, alongside Hong Kong, China’s 71-60 win over Indonesia, effectively sealed the race for the Second Round from this Group.
With both Indonesia and Malaysia now having beaten Singapore – having lost to Hong Kong, China in their other outing – they are assured of a top-three finish in the Group, the key motivation for all contestants here. Hong Kong, China of course are assured of finishing as the No 1 team in the Group.
Does it mean Monday’s clash between Malaysia and Indonesia is merely academic and only for bragging rights in the SEABA pecking order? Far from it.
All teams advancing to the Second Round carry forward their results from the First Round, with the standings in the Second Round calculated cumulatively across the two rounds. Any win here will therefore hold them in good stead as they seek to progress to the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 Qualifiers.
Hong Kong, China’s encounter against Singapore on the morrow is significant too.
Ing Kun Tiong who sparked a mini surge to help Malaysia take firm control of the scoreboard midway through the first quarter would go on to finish with a game-high 33 points, reeling in nine of his dozen three-pointer attempts.
Zachary Helzer’s 23 points led Singapore.
Hong Kong, China went about their business in a methodical manner doing everything that was needed, nothing more and nothing less to keep a gnawing Indonesia at bay.
Tsang Cham Yuen emerged as the scoring hero for the EABA side with 22 points.
Anthony Beane responded with 14 points for Indonesia.
FIBA