FIBA Asia: Thailand beats Malaysia, takes on Saudi Arabia in battle for 13th

MANILA, Philippines — Thailand finally posted its first win after blowing out Malaysia, 71-56, in a battle of two teams already out of contention in the 27th FIBA Asia men’s Championship Monday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Thais got off to a hot start but still had to fight off a gallant stand by the Malaysians, who finished the tournament dead last at 15th with a winless 0-4 record but had shown improvement each game.

Thailand’s Wacharapong Tongsri notched 12 points and 16 rebounds, just six boards shy of matching Malaysia in the rebounding department with 22.

Thailand, which overpowered its opponent in the paint, 34-14, and dominated the boards, 48-22, that lead to 14 second chance points, will dispute the 13th place with also-ran Saudi Arabia Tuesday.

Malaysia’s Eng Heng Soo came away with the game-high honors in points with 19.

The Thais jumped out the gates with a 22-7 lead in the first quarter before the Malaysians showed fight – outscoring their foes, 20-9, in the second period to move to within four, 27-31, at halftime.