Former Philippine Basketball Association import Guna Ra, also known as Ricardo Ratliffe, struck with 23 points for Korea as they swamped Indonesia, 104-81, yesterday.
The win allowed the Koreans to bounce back from their 78-81 loss to the Philippines in the ongoing Group A hostilities of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers at Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center in Angeles, Pampanga.
Nakheon Kim shot 14 points, while Jun Seok Yoo chipped in 12 for the Koreans, who posted their third triumph in four outings.
Lester Prosper banged in a game-high 25 points and 12 rebounds for the Rajko Toromnan-coached Indonesian side.
Korean coach Cho San Hyun is relieved that his team has managed to recover from their unfortunate to Gilas.
“We have our strong points, and that’s our fastbreaks and pressure defense. But the whole still needs to improve,” said Cho.
Meanwhile, Toroman, who used to coach Gilas, said he and the Indonesian squad promised to give Team Philippines a hard time.
“Tomorrow, we will try to push them. In this moment, they are the favorites, and better than us. We will try to make sure that they will have a hard time,” said Toroman.
The Koreans quickly took a 27-12 lead in the first period, behind a driving layup and a jumper from Seounghyun Lee.
Lee’s trey in the last 58 seconds of the opening quarter later saw Korea taking an 18-point spread, 26-8.