A first half blitz was enough for arch-rivals Thailand to a clinical 62-39 win over Cambodia at the IWBF Asia Oceania Wheelchair Basketball Championships at the Centara Life Government Complex and Convention Centrein Bangkok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The defeat almost certainly puts Cambodia out of the running to book a semi-final berth in the championships, despite having beaten Iran and Laos in their opening Division 2 matches earlier this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The trio of Natnapa Ponin, Saowalak Nanthasombat and Warisa Thamlaaied were accurate inside the semi-circle, picking up double digits for Thailand. Ponin contributed 24 of the Thai points with Nanthasombat 15 and Thamlaaied 13.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sinet An top scored for Cambodia with 15 points and Savry Lak contributing 14, and only because the dominant Thais had eased off the pressure in the second half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thailand\u2019s defensive pressure saw them picking up easy turnovers that the converted with lethal accuracy at the basket, leading 22-3 after the first quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was no letting up on their side as the increased the lead to 48-7 at the stroke of halftime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cambodia outpointed Thailand 16-12 in each of the next two quarters, but that was also assisted by Thailand taking their feet off the pedal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cambodia managed only 18 of their 56 shots at the basket, a low 32% accuracy. With Thailand, who had also beaten them to the Asean Para Games gold two years ago, showing tight defensive play, Cambodia were event forced to take shots from outside the paint, failing seven such attempts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In contrast, Thailand made 42% of their 69 shots at the basket. In the end their consistency, especially in the first half, was enough for Thailand to carve out a 23 point advantage at the final bell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cambodia play the Philippines tomorrow and wooden-spoonists India on Thursday. While the national side are favoured to win both matches, their chances of making the semi-finals are as good as over as only the top team from Division 2 qualify for the last four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thailand with their victory today are almost certain of making the cut to join Division 1 teams, Australia, China and Japan, in the last four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n