SHENZHEN (China) - Korea continued their winning ways at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 with a convincing 104-71 victory over the Philippines on Friday at the Shenzhen Sports Centre, securing their spot in the Semi-Finals against Australia and, more importantly, returning to the tournament's top four teams after missing out two years ago.
Meanwhile, the Philippines will regroup for the classification game for fifth place against New Zealand.
Korean center Park JiSu made an immediate impact, scoring two baskets early and playing tight defense. The opening minutes featured a back-and-forth exchange, knotted at 12-all with five minutes left in the first quarter. Korea’s offense then caught fire, sparked by Kang YooLim, who drained four triples in the period. Backed by strong rebounding and crisp ball movement, Korea built a 14-point lead by the end of the first quarter, 30-16, already boasting 10 assists.
In the second quarter, Korea extended their advantage to as many as 17 points. JiSu outplayed Philippines star Jack Animam, setting the tone inside, while the Filipinas struggled to contain Korea’s quick cuts and precise passing. Lee HaeRan found her rhythm, warming up in the second frame as Korea expanded on their lead and finished the half on top, 59-32, shooting exceptionally well from beyond the arc. Korea hit a total of eight triples in the half, with YooLim contributing five alone and finishing with 18 points. Lee HaeRan chipped in 12 points before halftime.
The third quarter saw the Philippines try to mount a response, but Korea’s relentless pace and balanced attack proved overwhelming. Korea’s lead ballooned to 31 points early in the third, though the Filipino team cut it down to 23 with less than three minutes remaining in the period. HaeRan was blazing hot, pushing Korea’s lead back to 31 points with under 23 seconds left. Animam, who had been neutralized for much of the game, was limited to just 3 points after three quarters. Korea entered the fourth period way ahead, 78-49.
In the final quarter, the Philippines mounted some small runs but couldn’t make any meaningful dent in the large deficit. Korea kept control, leading 96-65 with over three minutes still to play before cruising to a comfortable 104-71 win.
Park JiSu was instrumental, finishing with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks in under 20 minutes. Lee HaeRan and Kang YooLim were prolific scorers, contributing 24 and 21 points respectively, both using their perimeter shooting to stretch the floor. Park JiHyun played a strong all-around game, adding 15 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.
For the Philippines, Naomi Panganiban led the scoring with 19 points, while Vanessa De Jesus chipped in 15.
The victory pushes Korea into the Semi-Finals, where they will face a talented Opals looking to claim their first Women's Asia Cup title. For the Philippines, they now focus on securing a top-five finish in the classification match against the Tall Ferns.
FIBA