JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia (21st FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Women): A 7-0 run early in the game proved handy enough for Korea to get into the driving seat in their Level I game against hosts Malaysia on Monday, from whence they cruised along to a 71-55 (Game Details) win, their second in three games.

Malaysia, on the other hand, tumbled to their third defeat in as many games.

“We had to watch against overdoing things,” Korea coach No Wanki said.

“Playing against the home team is always a tougher proposition,” he added.

Kang Leesul led the Korean assault with a game-high 19 points, 11 of them coming in the first half.

Kim Minjeong and Choi Eunsil provided the support arsenal with 15 and 14 points respectively.

“We are beginning to warm up now,” No Wanki said. “Things are beginning to fall in place in our plan.”

Magdalene Chow’s 17 points paced Malaysia, who now need to win one of their two games – against Chinese Taipei and Japan – to keep their hopes of a semifinal berth alive.

FIBA Asia