Inspired by a 33-12 third quarter, China cruised past Philippines, 92-51, in the last game of the second round to remain undefeated in Pusan Asian Games. Although finishing only 12th-place in the WC, China is too strong for any Asian team. Their defense and height advantage held Philippines without a double-digit scorer in the game.
North Korea (DPR Korea) bounced back from a disappointing third quarter and upset Hong Kong, 74-64, by a 20-8 fourth quarter. 235cm giant Ri Myong-hun dominated Hong Kong with 22 points and 18 rebounds. North Korea will face Japan in the 5th-place game, while Hong Kong will meet Taiwan in the 7th-place game.
The semifinal matchups are almost set. China, winner of the Group I, will meet loser of South Korea/Kazakhstan game in one of the semifinals. Philippines will go up against the winner of SK/KAZ game in the other semi.
Game Summary
#China 92-51 Philippines (Half 38-21)
CHN - Hu Wei-dong 20p, Liu Wei 11p, Lee Nan 11p, Yao Ming 9p+5rb, Menk Bateer 6p+6rb ; PHI - D. Espino 7p
#DPR Korea 74-64 Hong Kong (Half 38-36)
PRK - Ri Myong-hun 22p+18rb, Pak In-chol 15p, Pyo Hyon-chol 14p ; HK - Lui Chor-wei 15p+8rb, Li Wai-lun 14p, Tam Wei-yeung 11p+9rb