MALAYSIA Petronas left it late but still had enough in reserve to beat Kyung-hee University of South Korea 78-75 to win the Malaysia International Basketball Championship at the Maba Stadium in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

After cruising to a 39-26 halftime lead, Malaysia were rattled by the young Korean team who reduced the gap to 59-55 after the third quarter before surging to a 70-64 lead with 4:30 left in the final period on the back of some impressive three-point shooting.

But American import Jamal Brown, who had 27 points and 12 rebounds, brought Malaysia back into the game when he drove to the basket to score while drawing a foul and sinking the free throw for Malaysia to lead 72-71.

Malaysia hung on to close out the game with four free throws as the Kyung-hee fell into foul trouble with five Koreans fouling out in the fourth quarter to the delight of coach Goh Cheng Huat and the capacity crowd of 2,000.

With Malaysia and Pure-Youth & Construction finishing the league with four wins each, Malaysia were declared champions by virtue of winning their league game against the Taiwan team.
But the hosts nearly paid the price by being hustled off the ball in the second half with Malaysia's other American import Brad Bridgewater constantly the victim of double-team tactics by the Koreans.

Singapore Slingers finished third after losing 94-93 to Pure-Youth at the final buzzer with Lau Chi Kin's 26 points proving the difference for the Taiwanese.

RESULTS -- India 89 Hong Kong 82, Pure-Youth & Construction (Tai) 94 Singapore Slingers 93, Malaysia Petronas 78 Kyung-hee University (Kor) 75.

FINAL STANDINGS -- 1 Malaysia Petronas 8 pts, 2 Pure-Youth & Construction 8, 3 Singapore Slingers 6, 4 Kyung-hee University 4, 5 India 4, 6 Hong Kong 0. -- DEVINDER SINGH