South Korea leave Malaysian cagers chasing shadows in Asian Games blowout

KUALA LUMPUR: A heavy defeat to South Korea has given the Malaysian women's basketball team a clear focus for their remaining Group C matches at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Malaysia were beaten 106-40 by the World Cup-level side at the Aichi International Arena on Friday.

Guard Chong Yin Yin said the defeat was a valuable learning experience.

"We were against a World Cup-level team. They just finished their World Cup and had a good performance. My coach told us to go for the challenge and learn from them," said the 33-year-old.

She said the coaching staff wanted the players to study Korea's tactics rather than focus on the scoreline.

"Our coach's message was to pay attention to how they were playing, what was their strategy, their defence. And we tried to catch up," she said.

Despite the heavy defeat, Yin Yin provided a bright spot for Malaysia by sinking two three-pointers.

She credited a teammate's pass for the opportunity and said the baskets lifted the team's energy.

"My teammate made a very good pass to me. I made the three, and I felt my whole team got a boost of energy," she said.

Malaysia next face Taiwan on Sunday before completing their Group C campaign against Mongolia on Tuesday.

Yin Yin said the team must improve defensively in their upcoming fixtures.

"We need better defence. We will play against Taiwan, who are a strong team. We will fight as we can. And Mongolia we try again, we will go for the win," she said.