Day two of the wheelchair basketball competition at the 9th ASEAN Para Games in Kuala Lumpur opened with hosts Malaysia playing their first game of the tournament against Laos. After a major re-structure of their programme in the past year big things were expected of Malaysia in their home games, and with the Malaysian Sports Minister watching on in the crowd they didn’t disappoint. Although a bit rusty and shooting below average in the first half, they still took a comfortable 19 point lead at half time.
Malaysia then hit their game in the second half with a commanding 43 to 10 half. Laos had no answer to Malaysia’s methodical offence and tight defence. Final score saw Malaysia win 80-28. Malaysia’s Azman led all scorers with 27 points while Zakaria (16) and Hamzah (11) were strong contributors, and for Laos Khammany again led their tally with 14 points, Bountang (10) also reaching double figures.
https://youtu.be/w5fiBLokJIM
In the second game of the day saw Philippines up against the in form Thailand. Thailand continued in the same form from day one with a powerful opening quarter to lead by 24 points at the first break. Philippines had no answer for the height and speed of Thailand, as Sripirom and Pimkorn ran rampant. Thailand relaxed a little in the second and third quarters, and while Philippines were able to get some fluency into their game they could not close the gap.
The final quarter had Thailand power away to a comfortable 89-38 victory. Highlight of the game was the shooting of Pimkorn who had an amazing 85% average, including 8/9 from 3 point range to finish with 36 points for the game. He had able support from Sripirom (20), while for Philippines Legacion with 11 points led their scoresheet.
Myanmar and Laos began the evening 3 on 3 session. With Khammany dominating, Laos quickly opened up a lead which they continued to build on for the whole game. Myanmar could not contain Khammany who finished the game with 14 points as Laos ran out comfortable 19-4 winners.
For much of the second game an upset looked likely as Philippines led the more fancied Malaysia until the last 2 minutes. Unfortunately for Philippines some costly turnovers allowed Malaysia through Bahrin (5) and Mat Seman to score quickly in the dying moments, and with the home crowd behind them run out winners 11-6.
For full results and more information about Kuala Lumpur 2017 9th ASEAN Para Games visit the website.
Join our Community! Follow us for exclusive insights, game highlight, and inspiring stories from the world of wheelchair basketball.
