Korean juggernaut too much for Iraq

TEHRAN (FIBA Asia Challenge 2016) – Korea continued their hot shooting as they overpowered Iraq, 102-80, to close Group F play at the FIBA Asia Challenge 2016 in Tehran, Iran.

Korea showcased a three-point shooting clinic thanks to the hot hands of, among others, Lee JungHyun, Cho SungMin and Heo IlYoung to blow the bigger Iraqis out and earn their fourth win in a row.

Turning Point: Iraq last held the lead at 12-8 after a jump shot by Mohammed Al-Khafaji, but Korea would score then next 12 points to swing the momentum and permanently retake the advantage. Coach Hur Jae’s wards hit three triples in that span, and that was a sign of things to come for the East Asian powerhouse.

Stats Don't Lie: Iraq did relatively well from the perimeter, hitting 10 threes, but that paled in comparison to Korea’s final tally of 20. As a team, coach Hur’s wards shot 52.6% from beyond the arc, with JungHyun hitting 7 and 3 each coming from SungMin and IlYoung. Five other Koreans hit at least one triple as the barrage never let up.

Game Hero: 1.91m wingman Lee JungHyun had averaged 3.7 triples per ballgame entering this match, but he upped the ante even more by connecting seven times from rainbow country. He finished with 22 points in a starting role while also adding 1 rebound, 1 steal and 1 assist to his stat-line.

The Bottom Line: In emphatically beating Iraq, Korea set up a titanic tussle with hosts Iran tomorrow for the top seed in Group F and the distinction of being the only undefeated team in the tournament. On the other end, Iraq absorbed their third straight loss and need to win tomorrow against Thailand to avoid any complications in making it to the Quarter-Finals.

FIBA