SoKor whips Thailand ahead of Gilas rematch

Kim Nak-Hyeon and the rest of the South Korean squad got a morale booster ahead of its rematch against Gilas. FIBA/Paul Ryan Tan

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--South Korea made quick work of Thailand ahead of a huge rematch against Gilas Pilipinas through a 120-53 pipping in the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center on Saturday night.

A far cry from their first meeting in Seoul during the first window last year, in which the Thais pushed the Koreans to the limit before conceding an 86-93 loss, the latter never gave the former an inch this time, quickly racing to a double-digit lead in the first quarter before dropping a 37-6 second quarter.

Ha Yun-Gi led South Korea, which moved up to 4-1 in Group A, with 34 points on 14-of-16 shooting, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block off the bench.

Yeo Jun-Seok top-scored for the starters with 23 points on 9-of-12 field goals, six rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

Lee Hyun-Jung added 20 markers, nine rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks.

Wattana Suttisin made 12 points and two rebounds for Thailand, which fell to 0-5 after making its debut in the Angeles bubble.

Box Scores:

South Korea 120-Ha 34, Yeo 23, H. Lee 20, Byeon 5, Ratliffe 5, D. Lee 5, S. Lee 4, Jeon 3, Kim 2

Thailand 53-Suttisin 12, Ananti 11, Towaroj 9, Jakrawan 8, Muangboon 3, Chanthachon 3, Klaewnarong 2, Charansarn 2, Jainasuk 1, Ghogar 0

Quarterscores: 23-12, 60-18, 85-32, 120-53

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