BENGALURU (FIBA U18 Women's Asian Championship 2018) – Two days ago, Korea beat Australia for the first time since the latter joined Asia.  We spoke to Korea's star players and coach after the win.

The build up the game was perfect. Both Korea and Australia were a perfect 2-0 coming in, with the winning team having the opportunity to progress straight through to the semis and also secure a spot in the 2019 FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup.

Playing under such high stakes, Korea produced an inspired performance, outlasting the Gems 63-62. In the process, Korea not only made history by beating Australia for the first time since the Oceania side started competing in Asian circuit, but it also snapped Australia's 19 game win streak across all Asian youth competitions.

"We had prepared our zone defense very well, in order to counter their big size and we tried hard to box out. We executed both very well," forward Jihyun Park told FIBA.com post game. "I would rate this win 99/100. I am so happy for this amazing win."

While Korea produced a number of inspired moments through the game, the performance of the team's 'Big Three' of Sohee Lee, Jihyun Park and Leeseul Shin stood out, a fact that was acknowledged by Coach Soo Ho Park. 

"I think those three played really well, especially at the beginning of the game. Because of that and because it was an important game, they played the entire duration. But, I think not only the three players, but all the players did their jobs really well as one team," Coach Park said.

One of these other players who did her job "really well", was 15-year-old center Haeran Lee. Lee had had to leave the game in the first quarter after twisting her ankle, but returned subsequently to knock down the game winner.

"All I was thinking at that moment was that I had to make that [shot]," said Lee, on her mindset in the clutch. 

As Lee swished the winning baseline jumper, the Korean bench yet again jumped and screamed from the sidelines. "Because of the cheering I felt that all the 12 players played together, regardless if some of us were on the court or on the bench," concluded forward Park.

Korea will need to keep the same energy going come the knockouts.

*On 2nd November, Korea will take on the winner of China vs Chinese Taipei, in the semifinals. Australia meanwhile will  be up against New Zealand on 1st November, in the "qualifiers to the semifinals."

FIBA