The Korean men’s basketball team won 85-84 in the 2024 Soft Bank Cup exhibition match against Japan held at Ariake Arena in Koto Ward, Tokyo on Sunday. Lee Jung-hyun (27 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists) made a great performance, while Ha Yoon-ki (15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists) made a free throw in the final. Captain Byun Joon-hyung (12 points, 3 rebounds) also showed off his presence. 동행복권파워볼
Korea, which was dragged by Makoto Hiejima early in the game with two 3-pointers, started its pursuit with Byun Jun-hyung’s outfielder. Yang Jae-min, Oh Jae-hyun, and Ha Yoon-ki also scored, bringing the mood. Korea’s offense exploded in the second quarter. Lee Jung-hyun and Moon Jung-hyun hit 3-pointers, and Byun and Yang also succeeded in attacking. They also showed concentration in defense, neutralizing Japan’s offense. Korea, which added points from Yoo Ki-sang, Ha Yoon-ki, and Oh Jae-hyun, finished the first half 46-35.
The mood in Korea continued in the second half. At the center of the attack were Lee Jung-hyun and Byun Jun-hyung. They combined for 17 points, including four 3-pointers, in the third quarter alone, to spearhead their offense. Korea wisely handled Japan’s full-court press defense, widening the gap. Following a tip-in dunk, Ha scored a delightful two-hand dunk in the next position. At the end of the third quarter, the score was 72-52, Korea’s leisurely lead.
However, the team struggled in the fourth quarter due to Japan’s strong counterattack. Yudai Baba, Hockinson and Yuki Kawamura lost points in succession. Korea seemed to be taking a breather due to three-point shots by Lee Jung-hyun and Yoo Ki-sang, but was hit by Kawamura and Akira Jacobs. Afterwards, Hawkinson allowed a shot under the basket, and the team was chased down to the one-point gap (80-79).
In times of crisis, Korea scored on two free throws that Lee Jung-hyun garnered through fouls. However, he had to concede free throws to Kawamura in succession to lose his lead. Despite this, Korea’s commitment to victory was strong. Lee Jung-hyun’s mid-range shot tied the game again, and Ha Yoon-ki made a free throw to win the final right before the game ended.
Meanwhile, Japan displayed strength in the fourth quarter by banking on Kawamura (23 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists) and Hawkinson (17 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists). However, Japan lost the first game after losing to Korea in the final competition to concentrate. NBA leaguers Rui Hachimura (Lakers) and Yuta Watanabe (Memps), who did not participate in the game, were also absent.