SHENZHEN (China) - Korea returned to their winning ways in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 following a dominant 95-62 conquest of Indonesia, Wednesday evening at the Shenzhen Sports Center.
That frustrating 91-69 loss to China barely 24 hours ago still fresh in their minds, the traditional contenders seized control of the match in the second chapter before cruising to their second win in three outings.
Crucial was their 33-point rout of Timnas as it not only got the crew back on track, but kept as well their chances of finishing atop Group A - granted that the hosts (2-0) lose to New Zealand (1-1) later tonight.
"We didn't start the game very well because Indonesia played well. We had a tough first half. But after the halftime break, the players got back and played better," offered head coach Park Hooso post-game.
Park Jihyun finished with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists to lead Korea. The seasoned guard scored eight of her points in the first quarter to help her side to a 25-22 lead, setting up the breakaway in the next frame.
Shin Jihyun supplied 15 points spiked by three triples, one of which she buried for a 40-28 lead approaching the last three minutes of the second canto to put themselves up by twin digits the rest of the way.
Korea outscored their Southeast Asian counterparts in that frame, 23-12, for a 48-34 halftime lead.
Kang Yoolim added 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists while six others contributed at least 6 points in the victory, which allowed Park Jisu more time to rest - especially her shoulder that got hurt versus China.
The result has also enabled Korea to become one of the six teams from the ongoing Continental Cup competition to book a trip to the prestigious FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments.
Kim Pierre-Louis, meanwhile, had 16 points and 7 rebounds to lead Indonesia, who remained winless after three games and will face another 0-3 team in Lebanon in the relegation game scheduled on Friday, July 18.
The winner in that do-or-die encounter, set at 13:30 local time, will remain in Division A while the losing side will get relegated to Division B of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2027 - to be played in the Philippines - at least.
FIBA