Malaysia does better, but still gets beating from South Korea in FIBA-Asia

Sungmin CHO of Korea (dark) vs Wein Hong CHOO and Eng Heng SOO. FIBA Asia Photo by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Malaysia scored its conference-best but still got battered by South Korea, 80-58, Saturday in the third day of the preliminary round of the 27th Fiba Asia men’s Championships at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Malaysians, who got a sound beating from powerhouse teams Iran and China, surpassed their combined output from their last two games. They lost to Iran 25-115, and to China, 22-113.

But the Koreans, who opened the tournament last Thursday with a massive upset of China, were driven to bounce back after their slim setback to the Iranians on Friday.

Song June Lee paced South Korea with 18 points while three more chipped in double digits.

Meanwhile, Tian Yuan Kuek, who players for the Westports KL Dragons in the Asean Basketball League, singlehandedly tried to give the Malaysians a decent exit with 25 points.