Yu Kisang Leads Korea to Victory Over Lebanon
Korea Reaches FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Final Phase with dominant Win Over Lebanon
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korea secured a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Final Phase after a resounding 97-86 victory over Lebanon on Sunday night at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A barrage of three-pointers and a collective team effort propelled the Koreans to their third consecutive win against the Cedars in FIBA play.
Korea’s Three-Point Barrage Fuels Victory
Yu kisang led the charge for Korea, exploding for 28 points with an impressive 8-of-12 shooting performance from beyond the arc. His early scoring ignited Korea’s offense, contributing two crucial triples in the first quarter as they built a commanding 26-12 lead. Korea didn’t let up,finishing the game with a tournament-high 22 three-pointers,surpassing Japan’s previous best of 20.
Lee Hyunjung also delivered a stellar performance, adding 28 points of his own, going 7-of-13 from downtown, and contributing 6 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal, and a block for a game efficiency of 34. The dynamic duo of Yu and Lee proved too much for Lebanon to handle.
team Effort Overcomes Injury Concerns
Despite missing key forwards Yeo Junseok and Lee Junghyun due to injury, Korea showcased remarkable depth. Yang junseok nearly recorded a double-double with 10 points and 8 assists, while Lee Seounghyun, Ha Yungi, and Jeong Seongwoo each chipped in with at least 6 points, demonstrating a true “One Team Korea” mentality.
“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,” said head coach Ahn Joonho.
Korea Advances, lebanon Faces Challenges
With the win, Korea clinched the No. 2 spot in group A and will face Group B’s no. 3 team, Guam, in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals. Coach Ahn Joonho expressed relief and confidence, stating, “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.”
Lebanon,led by Omar Jamaleddine’s 15 points and 6 rebounds,struggled to contain Korea’s offensive firepower. Ali Haidar added 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Sergio El Darwich and Ali mansour contributed 13 and 12 points respectively.The Cedars finished Group A with a 1-2 record and will face japan in the Final Phase’s first round.
This victory marks Korea’s third straight against Lebanon in FIBA competition, improving their head-to-head record to 7-6. The team’s impressive performance signals a strong contender in the FIBA asia Cup 2025.
FIBA