The South Korean men's basketball team achieved a decisive victory over their long-time rivals Japan in the final group stage match of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Under the guidance of head coach Nikolajs Mazulis from Latvia, South Korea (ranked 57th by FIBA) defeated Japan (22nd) 100-83 on September 13 at the Aichi International Arena.
Having previously secured wins against Saudi Arabia (82-66) and Indonesia (102-48), South Korea completed a three-game winning streak, finishing first in Group A and securing a spot in the quarterfinals. Japan, with a record of 2 wins and 1 loss, placed second in the group.
This victory also allowed South Korea to restore their pride after suffering two consecutive losses to Japan during a pre-tournament series in August.
Lee Jung-hyun (Goyang Sono) was the standout performer, scoring a game-high 25 points, including five three-pointers, and contributing seven assists. Veteran Jang Jae-seok (Busan KCC) added 18 points and eight rebounds, while ace Lee Hyun-jung scored 16 points and seven assists, successfully making all seven of his free throw attempts despite struggling with field goals.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with South Korea leading 19-17 after the first quarter. However, they fell behind 42-40 at halftime after allowing a series of three-pointers in the closing moments of the second quarter.
In the latter part of the third quarter, South Korea faced a challenge when Lee Woo-seok (Army Basketball Team) received an unsportsmanlike foul and a technical foul, leading to his ejection and leaving the team trailing 63-59.
Lee Jung-hyun turned the tide, scoring a free throw after a drive and then hitting three consecutive three-pointers, helping South Korea regain control and finish the third quarter ahead 71-66.
In the fourth quarter, South Korea capitalized on Japan's mistakes, extending their lead to 11 points with a three-pointer from Yoo Gi-sang (Changwon LG) and consecutive scores from Lee Hyun-jung. Japan struggled with turnovers, further aiding South Korea's momentum.
With just over a minute left, Lee Hyun-jung calmly sank two free throws, pushing the score to 93-81. In the final moments, Lee Jung-hyun intercepted a pass, leading to a buzzer-beater three-pointer from Moon Yoo-hyun (Anyang Jeonggwanjang), sealing the victory with a total of 100 points.
South Korea aims for its first Asian Games gold medal in 12 years since the 2014 Incheon Games, with the quarterfinal match scheduled for September 16, the opponent to be determined based on the final group stage results.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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