Korea Dominates Lebanon, Advances to FIBA Asia Cup Final Phase
Clutch Shooting Propels Team to Record-Breaking Victory
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Korea’s men’s basketball team punched their ticket to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Final Phase with a resounding 97-86 win over Lebanon, showcasing a phenomenal display of long-range shooting that shattered tournament records.
Yu Kisang Explodes for Career-Best Performance
Guard Yu Kisang, a 24-year-old making his debut in the continental championship, ignited Korea’s offense, pouring in a game-high 28 points. His stellar performance included an outstanding 8-of-12 shooting from three-point range, fueling a blistering start that set the tone for the dominant victory.
Record-Setting Three-Point Barrage
Korea’s offensive firepower was on full display from the opening quarter, where they drained eight three-pointers en route to a commanding 26-12 lead. By halftime, the team had already sunk 13 triples, eventually finishing the game with a tournament-high 22 made threes. This impressive feat surpassed the previous record of 20 threes set by Japan earlier in the day.
Team Effort Secures Second Place in Group A
Beyond the statistical milestones, the win secured Korea the second spot in Group A. They are now set to face Guam, the third-placed team from Group B, in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals round. The full schedule for this crucial stage will be announced shortly.
“We survived the group of death. We’ve fought every game, and we’re going to fight even more throughout the tournament, and we’re going to go back home as legends.”
—Ahn Joonho, Head Coach
Lee Hyunjung Also Shines Amidst Injuries
Star winger Lee Hyunjung also delivered a stellar 28-point performance, complemented by 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Despite missing key players Yeo Junseok and Lee Junghyun due to injuries, the team’s collective effort ensured their absences were scarcely felt. Yang Junseok contributed 10 points and 8 assists, with Lee Seounghyun, Ha Yungi, and Jeong Seongwoo adding at least 6 points each.
Head Coach Praises Team’s Resilience
Coach Ahn Joonho lauded his squad’s resilience: “We were down two players tonight because of injuries, but the rest of the 10 players stepped up and went by our slogan of ‘One Team Korea.’ And they were able to fill all the shoes of the players missing.”
Korea’s victory marks their third consecutive win against Lebanon in FIBA competitions, extending their head-to-head advantage to 7-6. Lebanon’s scoring was led by Omar Jamaleddine with 15 points and 6 rebounds. They will proceed to the Final Phase’s first round to face Japan.
The performance highlights Korea’s strong contention in the tournament, with their remarkable shooting prowess proving to be a significant advantage. For context, the average field goal percentage in the NBA typically hovers around 46-48%, underscoring the exceptional efficiency of Korea’s 22 three-pointers in this game. (Source: NBA.com, 2024 season averages)
