China, Japan cruise to third successive win; Korea down Taipei

MEDAN (2015 FIBA Asia U16 Women's Championship) – Defending champions China and Japan, who between them have won all the titles in the three previous editions of this event cruised along to their third successive wins, while 2011 FIBA Asia Championship runners-up Korea posted their second win in three games.

Korea, who lost to China on Monday, played the wait-and-watch game before outsmarting Thailand 80-74. China and Japan brooked no challenge from India and Chinese Taipei respectively. China won 96-32 and Japan were 86-64 victors.

It took a 13-0 run midway through the third quarter for 2011 FIBA Asia U16 Women's Championship finalists Korea to take control of the proceedings against Thailand.

Yesol Lim and Hyunji Park were the key contributors for Korea, the two combining for 19 of Korea's points in the third period.

Lim who led the game in scoring had 11 of her 25 points in the third period, and 18 in the second half.

Park who scored 6 of the points in that crucial Korean run finished with 16 points, eight of them having in the penultimate period.

Thailand, like they had in their previous encounter against Taipei, came up with a steady stream of scoring right through the game to keep the pressure on their more fancied rivals.

But a sudden dip in shooting rate combined with Korea's switch to half-court press disrupted the Thai rhythm.

Rattiyakorn Udomsuk's 18 points was the highest for Thailand, while Thunchanok Lumdappang ran into foul trouble early in the game and eventually finished with 11 points.

 "We could have done with longer preparation," rued Thailand coach Pongsak Kaewjaidee.

"At this level (U16) what matters is how we can minimize the mistakes at the crucial junctures. We failed at this today unfortunately," he said.

An early second quarter 11-0 run proved enough for Japan against Taipei.

The game also provided another opportunity for Japan coach Tatsushi Isshiki to get almost his entire roster a feel of the court ahead of the top clash against China on the morrow.

Mako Fujimoto was the only player left out in the rotation as all the remaining of her teammates scored.

Haruki Takahara finished the game with a team-high 18 points for Japan, while Haruna Kasagi and Itsuki Hashiguchi each added 14.

On the losing side, Chia Hsein Su scored 18 points for the losing team, 14 of them coming in the second half.

In Level II action, Hong Kong brushed off early blues and beat Singapore 49-43 for third win in as many games and Kazakhstan overcame Uzbekistan 69-38 in an all-CABA clash.

Later in the day, host nation Indonesia made it three on the trot with a thrilling 50-49 win over SEABA rivals Malaysia.

FIBA