MANILA, Philippines – South Korea managed to take down title favorite and longtime rival China in a massive upset, hacking out a 63-59 victory in the preliminary round of the 27th FIBA Asia Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Kim Joo-sung led the Koreans’ charge with 15 points while Cho Sungmin and Yang Donggeun added 12 and 11 points, respectively, in their emphatic opening day win.
Chinese star Yi Jian Lian played superb despite nursing a hamstring injury, finishing with 23 points and 10 rebounds.