China overcome South Korea in basketball preliminaries

HONG KONG, Dec. 6 -- China pulled off a 78-62 win over South Korea in the women's basketball preliminary round at the East Asian Games here on Sunday.

China's slender center Wei Wei, at the height of 2.07 meters, pocketed 16 points and six rebounds as her teammate Chen Xiaojia had 10 points and eight rebounds. Lu Wen had 14 points and Gao Song grabbed nine baskets.

Kang A Jeong of South Korea became this match's top scorer with17 points and her compatriot Heo Gibbeum had 15.

The Chinese team led with a small margin to finish the first half at 33-30 despite their overwhelming advantage in rebound, 21 to South Korea's 3 and a better field goal percentage of 47%.

When the much taller Chinese players took control around the painted area, the fast paced South Koreans were shooting from outside.

China changed strategy in the second half. Instead of relying heavily on Wei, the team turned to fast break and the tactics proved successful.

"The players did a good job in the fast break today. They played better in this match than the previous two," said Chinese head coach Zheng Wei. "They are making a little more progress each match, just as we had expected."

The team, comprising reserve players from the national squad, lost to Japan 59-54 on Thursday after they beat Chinese Taipei 69-61 in the opening match.

"Actually their defence was much better in the game against Japan. There were many problems in both attack and defence in the first game despite the win," Zheng said.

Japan topped the five-team standing after thrashing Hong Kong, China 125-41 in the other women's game. Chinese Taipei, China and South Korea, all with a game in hand, were placed second to fourth respectively. Hong Kong was sure to be eliminated before the semifinals.

In the men's Group B matches, Japan beat Hong Kong 92-69 before South Korea dismantled Guam 121-72.