Saudis down S. Koreans in Independence Cup<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Saudi Arabia, armed with tall players and three
\nAmerican coaches, destroyed the South Korean Army team 72-62 to
\ntake the lead in group B of the Fifth Independence Cup at the
\nSenayan indoor stadium yesterday.<\/p>\n
The Saudis dominated the game throughout the match with their
\nforceful fastbreaks and remarkably tight teamwork. The Koreans,
\nhowever, refused to give up and tried to rely on their three-
\npoint shooters to even out the odds.<\/p>\n
The first half was tight as evidenced by the score of 35-33 in
\nfavor of the Saudis. Three of the Korean shooters, Lee Sang Bum,
\nKim Hyun Joo and Kim Jae Youl, managed to deliver consistent
\ntreys which drew applause from the 300 local diehards.<\/p>\n
The Saudis, however, were quick learners and obviously figured
\nout the Korean strategy during the second half. The Koreans were
\neffectively outmatched and managed to revive those neat three-
\npointers only seconds before the game ended.<\/p>\n
Of course, the fact that the Saudis had three American coaches
\nwho constantly yelled instructions during the course of the game
\nplayed a crucial factor.<\/p>\n
It was the best game during the tourney so far as the rest of
\nthe matches were either dull or completely one-sided.<\/p>\n
For example, Iran demolished Indonesia Junior 101-43 earlier
\nin the day while favorite Russia tamed a sloppy United Arab
\nEmirates team 65-49.<\/p>\n
During the second half, the Russians - who played very
\nunglamorously as the world's number two basketball power -
\nmanaged to score 16 baskets virtually unchallenged to break open
\na 38 all tie.<\/p>\n
The Emirates' coach, also an American, was clearly frustrated
\nas he yelled \"Wake up guys!\" at this point.<\/p>\n
The Philippines, the darling of the awestruck female
\nteenyboppers, played against Jakarta Selection late last night.<\/p>\n
The Saudis are scheduled to face Iran on Saturday while the
\nEmirates are tipped to meet the Philippines.<\/p>\n
The South Koreans, meanwhile, are to meet Indonesia Junior
\nwhile Russia is expected to make short work of Jakarta Selection.<\/p>\n
The tourney rests on Sunday and will be continued on Monday.
\n(hdj)<\/p>",
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