India pull away from Malaysia

CHANGSHA-HUNAN (2015 FIBA Asia Championship) - India took command of their opening day clash at the FIBA Asia Championship with Malaysia in the first half and then lowered the boom in the third quarter in a 102-73 triumph.

Amjyot Singh had 24 points to lead India in scoring while teammate Akilan Pari contributed 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and a couple of steals.

Turning point: A scrappy Malaysia fought hard early on and closed the gap to 30-26 early in the second quarter after a three-ball from Tian Kuek and a basket from Ivan Yeo. India then shifted into a higher gear, with two free-throws from captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi sparking a 12-0 run that Paul Advincula's side never recovered from.

Stats Don't Lie: Malaysia turned the ball over 19 times and India capitalized by scoring 23 points off those miscues. India also had 21 offensive rebounds and finished with 16 second-chance points.

Game Hero: India were 34 points better than Malaysia when Yadwinder Singh was in the game. Singh finished with 16 points and seven rebounds.

The Bottom Line: Malaysia will have to shoot the ball much better from the floor than 41.9 percent (26 of 62) and take care of the ball to have a chance of getting a win in Changsha-Hunan while India know Iran and Japan will be more formidable opponents in Group A.

FIBA