2018 Asian Games Recap: August 20th
Both men and women were in action on the sixth day of basketball at the Asian Games, but for a number of the teams who took to the court, it would be an important day, and all for different reasons.
Here's the rundown of the day's play, as it happened:
Women's Tournament
Korea opened with eight unanswered points against India, led by ten after seven minutes, and continued to build on that lead for the game's remainder. Leading all scorers with 17 points, Kang Lee-seul was one of five Korean players to score in double figures, with everyone on the team making the scoresheet. It was part of a highly impressive performance from Korea, who made two-thirds of all field goal attempts and ten from three-point territory en route to a domineering 104-54 win over India.
The Asian Games Korean team. Image: AFP
With good ball movement and keeping up the pressure on offence, China dominated here to the extent that their neighbours Mongolia were held to just three points in the final quarter. Li Yueru had a game-high 21 points for China, who secured their place in the knockout stage with an enormous victory over Mongolia, 110 points to 36.
Men's Tournament
With Adam Xu posting sixteen points, Hong Kong showed signs of improvement, but it still wasn't enough to overcome a Chinese Taipei side rampant on the offensive end. Liu Cheng had a game-high 21 points for Taipei, whose held on to a double-digit lead for the vast majority of the way through the game. Eventually ending the game up 98-67, they keep their winning record in the competition intact.
Hosts Indonesia were trailing Thailand 9-4 early on, but with some terrific three-point shooting they closed the gap and eventually went into the lead. Joint-top scorer Nakorn Jaisanuk (28 points) led the fight back for Thailand, who made it a one-possession game numerous times throughout the second half. With Indonesia's three-point shooters remaining on form, however, they were able to keep Thailand at bay. Jamarr Johnson had 28 points of his own as Indonesia get their first win of the games by eight points over Thailand.
A crucial win for Indonesia keeps the men's Group A wide open, while there's still all to play for ahead of the final round of games in Group C. Meanwhile, China secure their future in the women's competition and Korea improve their standings, the latter keeping India winless, while Mongolia are still in contention, though their record slips to 1-2.
Men's and women's basketball continues tomorrow at the Asian Games. More information can be found on the event's official website.
