Once again, Lee Hyun-jung (25, Illawarra) soared. Korean basketball recorded two victories against Japan on home ground.
The men's national basketball team, led by coach Ahn Joon-ho, won 84-69 against Japan in the second evaluation match ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, held at Anyang Gymnasium on the afternoon of the 13th at 2:30 p.m.
With this victory, Korea once again defeated Japan after the previous first match, completing a consecutive two-game winning streak. The team also secured a victory in the first match held on the 11th, led by the performance of 'overseas forward' Lee Hyun-jung and Yeo Jun-seok, winning 91-77. In the second match, despite displaying even more dominant play until the third quarter and being on the verge of a big win, they had to settle for a 15-point victory due to a lack of concentration in the fourth quarter.
Korea fielded the same starting five as in the first match: Lee Hyun-jung, Ahn Young-joon, Lee Jeong-hyeon, Yeo Jun-seok, and Lee Seung-hyun. Meanwhile, Japan made some changes. Kai Taibes, Ren Kanechika, Daichi Nakamura, Josh Hawkinson, and Yuto Kawashima were the first to hit the court. Compared to the first match, Yudai Nishida and Akira Jacobs swapped two spots.
Korea took control of the game from the start. Lee Hyun-jung unfailingly hit a three-pointer, and Yeo Jun-seok contributed points with aggressive drives. Japan committed three team fouls in just 2 minutes and 30 seconds, struggling defensively. Korea maintained the momentum, not yielding in the rebound battle emphasized by coach Ahn Joon-ho.
Lee Hyun-jung and Yeo Jun-seok continued to add points, with Lee Seung-hyun also contributing from outside. Japan also revived its outside attack, managing to tie the game at 20-20, but Korea's focus at the end of the quarter was superior. Korea finished the first quarter leading 25-20 after Yeo Jun-seok added two points with a spectacular rim attack.
Once ignited, Lee Hyun-jung's three-point shooting showed no signs of cooling off. Additionally, with tight defense inducing turnovers from the opponents, the flow shifted further in their favor, and Lee Jeong-hyeon began scoring from both inside and outside, widening the gap. The score difference reached double digits midway through the quarter.
Korea continued to gain the upper hand in height battles by consistently securing rebounds. While Japan attempted to mount a comeback with consecutive scoring, Korea exhibited even more superior concentration. After inducing the opponent's offensive foul, Korea extended its lead to 50-34 with Lee Jeong-hyeon's 'deep three.' Lee Hyun-jung scored 19 points in just 16 minutes and 59 seconds during the first half.
Early in the third quarter, Korea charged fiercely. Starting with Yeo Jun-seok's drive to the basket, Kim Jong-kyu and Yang Jun-seok quickly stirred Japan's defense, scoring consecutively. Yoo Ki-sang also added a three-pointer, rapidly pulling ahead to 61-37.
'Veteran big man' Kim Jong-kyu showcased his presence. He faked a shot against Japanese center Kawayama Koya and delivered a powerful dunk, heating up the court. Riding the wave, Korea finished the third quarter at 70-44, seizing the momentum.
Korea effectively sealed the deal. Ahn Young-joon made the first outside shot of the game, followed by Park Ji-hoon's steal and fast-break score. The score at the beginning of the fourth quarter was 76-44. The Japanese players, trailing by over 30 points, appeared resigned.
Coach Ahn Joon-ho called off Lee Jeong-hyeon, Lee Joong-hyun, and Yeo Jun-seok in the final quarter, giving multiple players a chance to play. Afterward, Korea fell into early foul trouble and struggled with somewhat loose play, losing momentum. However, there was no issue with the victory. The game concluded as a victory for Korea.
[OSEN]