World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers: Lee Hyun-jung posts double-double but South Korea loses to Japan 72-78

On a meaningful day the Korea-Japan match did not bring smiles. The game was decided by concentration in the final moments. The South Korea men's national basketball team lost 72-78 in an away game against Japan in Group B of window 2 of the 2027 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup Asian qualifiers at Okinawa Arena in Japan on the 1st. Their qualifying record is 2 wins and 2 losses. The first win under coach Nicholas Majulis was also postponed. Lee Hyunjung fought hard with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Ahn Young-jun and Yoo Ki-sang also contributed with double-digit scoring. It was painful that they could not maintain the lead they had built until the middle of the fourth quarter. The start was not easy. They fell behind after consecutive scores by Yuta Watanabe (206-F-1994, college: GWU) and Josh Hawkinson (208-F-1995, college: WSU). By changing the defensive formation to a 2-3 zone, they found a clue for a turnaround. They cut off the perimeter and accumulated points on fast breaks. In the second quarter, Lee Hyun-jung's outside shots hit in succession to restore balance. The variable was injury. Lee Seung-hyun left after injuring his ankle following a rebound contest. With a gap under the basket, Japan's perimeter came alive. The first half ended trailing 38-42. In the second half the defensive intensity rose. They forced consecutive opponent turnovers and turned them into fast-break points. In the third quarter alone they forced eight turnovers by Japan. With scoring from Kisang Yu (188-G-2001) and Doowon Lee (199-F-2000) added, they turned it around to lead 55-54. The flow in the early fourth quarter was not bad either. With Hyunjung Lee (201-G/F-2000, college: Davidson)'s 3-pointers and drives, they led 67-63 with about four minutes remaining. They could not get past the final hurdle. Consecutive scores by Yudai Baba (196-SF-1995), Hawkinson and Watanabe allowed Japan to chase again. With about one minute remaining, Saito Takumi hit an outside shot and the outcome tipped. They stayed close until the end but there was no comeback. There were clearly times when they controlled the game. A fine margin in the finishing moments decided the result.
Courtesy of: biz.chosun.com