i TV Pinoy

Source: AFP,

GUANGZHOU, China -- Japan knocked off the Philippines, 60-58, to bring its Asian Games basketball win streak to 3 and remain on top of Group F on Friday.

The Japanese led for much of the game taking a 48-43 lead into the final quarter before the Filipinos came charging back while holding Japan to 3 points in the game's last 5 minutes.

Japan was led by Takumi Ishizaki with 16 points, while Marcio Lassiter had 13 for the losers.

South Korea, meanwhile, demolished its northern counterpart, 96-66, to remain unbeaten in Group E play along with rivals China which defeated hapless Uzbekistan 91-31.

The South Koreans were led by American-born Lee Seung-Jun with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Cho Sung-Min hit four three pointers and scored 15 points to help his team to their third consecutive win before nearly 16,000 fans.

North Korea, which fell behind 27-12 at the end of the first quarter and at one time was behind by 37 points, was led by Pak Un Chol with 20 points.

In China's match with Uzbekistan, the hosts were led by shooting guard Wang Shipeng with 20 points, while former Dallas Maverick centre Wang Zhizhi chipped in 18 points.

"I just thought it was a game where we were physically superior," said China's American coach Bob Donewald.

"If you look at it, they (Uzbekistan) scored a third of their points in the first five minutes of the game. I think we played good defense the rest of the way."

On Saturday, reigning Asian Games holders China will face 2002 Asiad champs South Korea in a battle between unbeaten teams.

In the other Group E match, Jordan beat Mongolia 79-64.

"We did not prepare specially for the game against China," said South Korea coach Yoo Jaehak. "The most important thing by far is being qualified for the quarter-finals."

In other Group F games, Qatar eked out a close win over Taiwan 72-70, while two-time defending Asian champions Iran dispatched India 78-63.