The rejuvenated South Korean national basketball team secured a valuable victory in Japan with Ha Yoon Ki’s decisive free throw in the final moments.
The basketball team, under the leadership of Coach An Joon Ho, secured a narrow victory against Japan in an evaluation match held at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, on the 5th, with a score of 85-84.
Before the game, South Korea was expected to be at a disadvantage.
Japan, preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics, assembled its top athletes, while South Korea opted to exclude several veteran players in their 30s who had been stalwarts for the national team. Key players such as Choi Jun Yong and Lee Seong Hyun from Busan KCC, the champions of the 2023-24 pro basketball season, were also omitted due to concerns over managing their stamina.
Moreover, South Korea faced challenges in refining their teamwork with only about three days to prepare for the game against Japan. Despite this, they secured a satisfying victory in front of Japanese fans, establishing a commanding lead of up to 20 points early in the game, propelled by standout performances from players such as Lee Jung Hyun and Ha Yun Gi.
Lee Jung Hyun made a remarkable contribution with 27 points, while Ha Yun Gi secured the paint with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Team captain Byun Jun Hyeong also added 12 points.
South Korea initially trailed 0-8 but began to counterattack after Byun Jun Hyeong’s 3-point shot. Subsequently, Lee Jung Hyun, Byun Jun Hyeong, and Ha Yun Gi contributed consistently, leading them to finish the first half with a significant 46-35 lead.
South Korea maintained their lead going into the third quarter and extended it to 72-52 by the end of the period. Lee Jung Hyun and Byun Jun Hyeong were instrumental, scoring a combined 17 points in the third quarter, including four 3-pointers.
South Korea, initially favored for a comfortable victory, faced a challenging fourth quarter as Japan mounted a fierce counterattack led by Yuki Kawamura and Josh Hawkinson, narrowing the score to 80-79.
In a critical moment, Lee Jung Hyun scored 4 points, allowing South Korea to maintain a tense 84-84 tie. Ha Yun Gi, who had a tough day under the basket, secured one of two crucial free throws with 0.9 seconds left, leading South Korea to an exhilarating victory.
South Korea will play the second match at the same venue on the 7th.