China edge Korea in instant classic to claim Asia’s last ticket to FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup
NONTHABURI (FIBA U18 Asian Championship) - In what should securely be claimed as the best game of the FIBA U18 Asian Championship 2018 up to date, China slightly edges out Korea, 90-85.
Guo Haowen’s dramatic three-pointer with 1:35 left in the game which gave China an 83-74 lead drained the momentum of Korea’s frantic rally and he knew it. In a moment of high emotion, Guo walked over towards the Korean bench to bid them a salute.
Korea would not go down easily and, in fact, outscored China in the remaining time 11-7, but it was not enough to escape the heartbreaking loss. Korean star Hyunjung Lee quietly sank a three-pointer before time expired for his 33rd point before collapsing at midcourt in disappointment of the loss.
The persistence of Korea was on display throughout the entire game. They found themselves down by 18 in the second quarter as Guo Haowen was already on fire with 20 points in the half. Hyunjung Lee came to life in the second half sparking a 38-point third quarter for Korea, completing an emotional rout.
China came out roaring in the 4th quarter and exploded to a 7-0 run, leaving Korea scoreless for almost a full five minutes. But it was once again the brilliance of Hyunjung Lee that got Korea back into the mix for the final dramatic moments.
Foul trouble plagued Korea’s big men and left Coach Young Rae Kim shuffling between his rotation to maintain balance. Korea’s frustration leaked out with 3:42 minutes left in the game after an unsportsman like foul on Hyung Bin Kim led to a subsequent technical foul on the Korean bench.
Guo Haowen was China’s star, logging 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists before fouling out of the game. He formed a monstrous duo with Wang Quanze who himself had 20 points and 23 rebounds in this game.
The heartbroken Korea team was spearheaded by the aforementioned Hungjung Lee. The forward had 33 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and went 6/13 from downtown.
China’s victory lands them a spot in the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, joining Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines who qualified earlier in the day. They also advance to the FIBA U18 Asian Championship Semifinals where they will be meeting New Zealand for a chance to go to the Finals.
FIBA
