ULANBATOR, MONGOLIA — The Korean U-16 men's national basketball team, led by coach Ryu Young-jun, started its 2025 FIBA U-16 Asia Cup campaign with a resounding victory, defeating Malaysia 123-70 in the Group C opener at the M Bank Arena on August 31.

The decisive win puts Korea in a strong position in Group C, which also includes China and Mongolia. With only the top team from each group advancing directly to the quarterfinals, the opening victory provides a significant advantage for the team. A top-four finish in the tournament would also secure a spot in the 2026 FIBA U-17 Basketball World Cup in Turkey.

Yongsan High School's Park Beom-yoon led the charge for Korea with an impressive 25 points and 6 rebounds. Hwabong Middle School's Lee Seung-hyun also contributed significantly with 19 points and 6 rebounds, while Gyeongbok High School's Shin Yu-beom added 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 blocks.

Korea established its dominance early, ending the first quarter with a commanding 41-16 lead. The team continued to build on its lead, scoring 29 points in the second quarter to create an even wider gap. Maintaining focus and intensity throughout the second half, Korea secured a clean and decisive victory.

Korea's next match is against Mongolia on September 1, followed by a showdown with China on September 2.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]