Women's basketball, aiming for a return to the top of Asia, was defeated by the Japanese university selection.
The women's basketball national team, led by Coach Park Soo-ho, lost 69-75 to the Japanese university selection in the second game of the 2025 William Jones Cup held at the Heping Gymnasium in Taipei, Taiwan, on the 3rd. Korea recorded 1 win and 1 loss in the tournament.
Korea was without national treasure center Park Ji-soo. The elite team was composed of professional players including captain Kang Yi-seul, Park Ji-hyun, Choi Yi-saem, and Ahn Hye-ji. The opposing Japan was made up of a university selection participating in the 2025 Summer University tournament, without forming a team from professional players.
The skill levels of both teams were similar. Korea did not perform poorly, nor was Japan's skill particularly outstanding. The match was close throughout, and Korea, lacking focus in the final moments, allowed a comeback loss.
Park Ji-hyun scored the most points with 20. Kang Yi-seul also added 17 points, including three 3-pointers. Japan, despite not being tall, had the advantage in rebounds, out-rebounding Korea 52-40.
Korea aims for victory in the FIBA Asia Cup, which opens in Shenzhen, China, on July 13. The host country, China, with 220cm tall center Zhang Zhiwei, is considered a strong contender for the championship. Japan has won 5 out of 6 tournaments since 2013.
Korea's last championship was in 2007, held in Incheon.
[OSEN]