TOKUSHIMA, Japan, July 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korea whitewashed Syria 89-79 here on Monday at the first round of the 2007 FIBA Asia men's basketball Championship to remain unbeaten in the tournament.

With a three-none win-loss record, the South Koreans advanced into the quarterfinals.

Spearhead Ha Seung-Jin, who plays in the Milwaukee Bucks in NBA, scored 16 points and 12 rebounds to lead South Korea while Ha Seung-Jin had 16.

Mohamad Alsaman had 20 points, but not good enough for Syria to manage their first win in the tournament. Micheal Madanly added 16.

South Korea will face the second place of the Group A which will decided later on Monday.