CHN – China open Asian Games title defense in style

GUANGZHOU (Asian Games) – 2006 Asian Games champions China began the defense of their title by beating Mongolia 91-46 on the opening day of the Men’s Basketball Preliminary Round action at Guangzhou International Sports Arena.

In the first Group E game, China head coach Bob Donewald Jnr used all his players and every one of them made it on the score sheet. Zhou Peng had a game-high 16 points.

Mongolia fought hard and beat the Chinese in one category – second chance points (13-8).

Also in Group E, Korea opened with a 103-54 win over Uzbekistan at Ying Dong Gymnasium. Yang Heejong had 13 points in the first quarter as Yoo Jaehak’s side took a 25-11 lead at the end of the first quarter and kept adding to their advantage the rest of the way.

American-born Lee Seungjun and Ham Jihoo combined for 15 points and nine rebounds. The Koreans dominated the paint, second chance points and fastbreak points, outscoring Uzbekistan 97-23 in those three categories.

2.21m tall centre Ha Seung Jin played only nine minutes for Korea as he keeps recovering from a niggling calf injury. He entered the game with three minutes remaining in the third quarter and was highly efficient, scoring 14 points before being substituted.

Meanwhile, in Group F, Qatar cruised to an easy victory over India 97-48 at Huangpu Gymnasium.

The Qataris jumped out to a quick start, going up 18-6 and led 22-9 at the end of the opening period.

They had the hot hand in the first half, hitting 20 of 32 attempts from the field, for a commanding 54-20 advantage at the break. India could do little against their opponents’ size and strength.

Saad Abdulrahman was the top scorer for the winners, finishing with 13 points, hitting on four of his six three-point attempts. Targuy Alban Ngombo added 12.

In the day’s other games, Jordan beat DPR Korea 90-80 in Group E and Japan saw off Chinese Taipei in Group F.

Also in Group F, Iran beat the Philippines 65-48 despite being without star player Hamed Haddadi, who was unable to leave the Memphis Grizzlies to join the team in China.

The Preliminary Round consists of two Groups (E and F) each with six teams. The top four in each group will advance to the quarter-finals.

FIBA