Hong Kong surrender against favourites

Fan-Shan Huang

Hong Kong suffered two defeats at the start of the home East Asian Games. They faced Taiwan in the opening clash. Taiwan looked the way better right from the start. The visitors dominated in every facet of the game and drove to a 32:12 lead after the starting period. Hong Kong could not pick up the right rhythm and had to witness a massive 30-point deficit at halftime. Taiwan cruised after the main break. They exploded with 38 points in the third period to clear off beyond reach. Eight players scored in double digits for Taiwan. Huang Fan-Shan (174-G-87) knocked down 18 points for the winners. Liu Yee Man (79) and Mengyu Huang knocked down 11 points each for Hong Kong.
Next Hong Kong took on South Korea. The game turned into a one-way traffic as Korea cruised to a confident 102:51 success. Kang Ajeong (89) unloaded 31 points to lead the visitors. Hyeyoon Bae added 19 points and 11 boards in the win. Cho Kit Ying (81) responded with 15 points for Hong Kong. Lai Fong Huang produced 12 points and 10 boards in the losing effort. South Korea accounted for 30 points in the first frame to earn a 14-point lead. Korea continued to dominate and ensured a 46:27 lead at halftime. The onslaught continued in the third frame as Korea unleashed 34 points and ran away for the victory at the end.