CHN – China crush DRP Korea to stay perfect at Asian Games

GUANGZHOU (Asian Games) – Veteran and team co-captain Wang Zhizhi had 14 points as China cruised to a 98-62 win over DPR Korea on the second day of play in the Preliminary Round of the Men’s Basketball tournament.

Defending champions China appeared to be much sharper than they did in their 91-46 defeat of Mongolia in their Group E opener. They produced a great defensive display and their smothering defense forced DPR Korea’s shooters to rush their shots resulting in a low shooting percentage.

Bob Donewald’s charges got off to a quick start with Liu Wei and Wang Shipeng knocking down three-pointers on China’s first two possessions to take a lead which they never relinquished.

Zhang Qingpeng finished with a dozen points, Zhou Peng added 11 and the pair of Zhu Fangyu and Zhang Zhaoxu had 10 apiece.

The crowd of more than 17,000 at Guangzhou International Sport Arena gave local hero Zhu Fangyu – last season’s Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) MVP – a rousing cheer when he entered the game in the second quarter.

In Group E’s other games, Mongolia edged out Uzbekistan 67-65 and RO Korea hammered Jordan to join China as the only unbeaten teams (2-0).

Meanwhile in Group F, Japan surprised Iran 57-56 for their second win in as many games. Chinese Taipei got their first win in a 93-66 defeat of India and the Philippines also notched their first victory by dispatching Qatar 90-68.

FIBA