FIBA Asia Cup: round 2 wraps
The second round of the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 group phase continued on Thursday. After four games opened the round yesterday, the final four contests of Day 2 were held. On the day, there were victories for Japan, Australia, South Korea, and New Zealand.
Group C
Korea put in the performance of the round with a massive 116-point game. The team was sensational in defeating Kazakhstan 116-55. As the score suggests, the game was never in doubt and South Korea led 50-26 at halftime. The onslaught continued as the Koreans dropped a massive 66 points in the second half. Junghyun Lee dropped 19 points in victory.
New Zealand overcame Lebanon to remain unblemished in the group. A close first half ended 42-40 in favour of the Kiwis and they managed to extend their advantage through the second half.
Group D
Japan was much too strong for Taipei with a 49-89 score. The Japanese started well and then swamped Taipei in the second quarter. A 5-18 run in the second gave the team a 22-40 halftime lead. From there, Japan never looked back, controlled the second half, and eased to a comfortable win. Hiejima Makoto secured 15 points to lead the victory.
Australia stayed undefeated at the top of Group D (2-0) with a cruising 99-58 win over Hong Kong. The Aussies were excellent in the first half. The team drained 28 points in both opening frames to secure a 56-30 advantage through the long break. Hong Kong was getting swamped as Australia kept the foot on the gas to demolish their opponents in the second half. Mitch Creek scored 15 points and claimed 9 rebounds in the win.