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| Miguel Morenatti/AP (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
TAIPEI--Two years after it seemed that the "curse" is over, South Korea made a strong statement that it still continues.
South Korea banked on a strong fourth quarter to hand Gilas Pilipinas an early defeat in the Jones Cup with an 82-70 decision at the Xinchuang Gymnasium on Monday night.
After going toe-to-toe with Gilas for the first half-hour, South Korea went on an 11-0 run in the final quarter to take an 11-point cushion, 69-58, with 4:16 left in the game.
Terrence Romeo scored six straight points to cut the lead to five, 69-64, with three minutes remaining, but T.J. Moon and Lee Jung-Hyun converted key baskets to hold off Gilas in the end.
Romeo finished with 23 points, while Gary David had a hot shooting night of his own with 16 for Gilas.
Lee Seung-Hyun led the Koreans with 19 markers, while Moon added a double-double of 17 markers and 12 rebounds along with three assists and three steals.
Box Scores:
South Korea 82–S. Lee 19, Moon 17, Ju. Lee 12, Jo. Lee 11, J. Kim 8, Park 6, S. Kim 5, T. Kim 2, Ha 2
Philippines 70–Romeo 23, David 16, Abueva 9, Castro 7, De Ocampo 5, Taulava 4, Ramos 2, Intal 2, Tautuaa 2, Norwood 0, Pingris 0, Alapag 0.
Quarterscores: 20-21, 36-34, 54-54, 82-70
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