Thailand draws first blood in basketball at ASEAN Schools Games

Thailand’s girl's basketball team beat Malaysia 65-60 in the curtain-raiser of five-a-side basketball in the 13th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) at the Da Nang University Sports Centre on May 31.

Thai school girls took the lead from the first few minutes, scoring 14 against nine, but Malaysian opponents pulled back to balance the match after a time-out in the first quarter.

Thailand then showed off their power to clear 15 points with a series of three-point throws, blocking all counter-attacks from Malaysia and keeping their momentum with a 54-44 score in the third quarter.

Malaysia regrouped to score nine points in a row, narrowing the gap to 54-53 and setting the two teams up for a fierce fight in the fourth quarter, eventually drawing even and even pulling ahead by one point.

However, Thailand's team worked together and earned four crucial points to fix the first 65-60 win in basketball.

Meanwhile, for the boys' teams, the Philippines took a 78-62 win over Thailand, while Indonesia crushed Laos 128-45.

Basketball will continue at the same venue, while badminton, swimming and Vovinam will be organised at the Tien Son Sports Complex.

Athletics will take place at the Hoa Xuan Stadium and Pencak Silat matches will be held at the Son Tra district’s sports centre.

All teams will gather for the opening ceremony at Tien Sơn Sports Centre at 8 pm on June 1.

The games will continue through June 7.

Viet Nam News

Asia News Network