Sang Mu over Warriors 105-89 in friendship b-ball

By Jim CunninghamApril 7, 2009

Sang Mu over Warriors 105-89 in friendship b-ball
Warriors' player 32 scores first against Sang Mu, the Republic of Korea army's professional basketball team, in the ROK/US Friendship Basketball game held in Carey Fitness Center on USAG-Casey March 26. The Warriors played well but didn't have the tr... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CASEY GARRISON - Republic of Korea army's Sang Mu professional basketball team toyed with Casey's Warriors ad hoc basketball team and stayed between 10 and 20 points ahead throughout the ROK/U.S. Friendship Basketball game held in Carey Fitness Center on USAG-Casey the evening of March 26.

Warriors began the first half with a 10-point lead, but before the buzzer sounded, Sang Mu was 15 points ahead and remained in the lead throughout the game. The Warriors put up a gallant try to keep the scoring close with surprising moves intercepting the ball and pressing down the court for a score, but Sang Mu always returned with more points to keep their distant lead.

The halftime was highlighted with gift exchanges among the ROK army, U.S. Army and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

The game should have been called an exhibition game because of the professional standing of the Sang Mu team, said Randy Behr, athletic director-sports, fitness, and aquatics, USAG-RC FMWR. It reminded one of the Harlem Globetrotters exhibition games and how they would toy with their opponents before winning the game far in the lead.

"In Korea our basketball professionals do not make million dollar salaries," said Floyd Kim, USAG-RC FMWR sports specialist. "Many of them join the ROK army during the off season.

"This is our third year to hold the ROK/US Friendship Basketball game. Our first game was here in Carey fitness center in 2007. Our second was in Osan."

Maj. Gen. John W. Morgan III, 2nd Infantry Division commander, observed the Sang Mu team brought in mostly players more than 6 feet tall, while the Warrior team did not have many players as tall as 6 feet.

"I really don't care who wins or loses," said Brig. Gen. Lee, Jung Eun, commanding officer of Korean Armed Forces Athletic Corps. "It is all about the ROK/U.S. alliance and strengthening our friendship and our bond."