SHENZHEN (China) - Park Jisu nailed the go-ahead bucket with half a second left to play and Korea went on to escape New Zealand, 78-76, to open their FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 campaign, Monday.
The 26-year-old center took it strong to the hoop before trickling in the all-important layup to put them back up for good after the Tall Ferns rallied back from down 73-63 and tied the game up with 6.5 seconds to spare.
But they could no longer answer back as the time remaining wasn't enough, with Emilia Shearer's sideline inbound going nowhere as it sailed out of bounds, all but sealing the victory for their East Asian counterparts.
Park finished with 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists plus 4 blocks as her heroics saved the Koreans from completely withering after team captain Kang Leeseul left the game late in the third quarter.
The seasoned forward got hurt and had to be wheeled out of the court at the 1:51-mark of the said period, never to return - and spoiling as well a stellar game from her as she already had 19 points on six threes and 5 rebounds.
"We are prepared if Leeseul is not on the court - also, if somebody like Jisu isn't there, we're prepared how to play - that's why we performed well," offered head coach Park Soo Ho, praising his team's adaptability.
Before her premature exit, Kang played a critical role to help Korea seize control of the match, joining hands with Choi Isaem for a 12-2 assault to turn a narrow lead to a 60-47 advantage with 3:45 on the clock.
The team would enjoy being in the driver's seat even when she had to leave but New Zealand, despite being a relatively young squad, fought back late in the game with Shearer leading the way.
After a Ritorya Tamilo jumper, Shearer took it from there and scored seven straight points, including a tough fallaway jumper from near the free throw line to cap off a 13-3 run and tie things up at 76-all.
But then, Park happened, coming through with the first game-winning play of the 2025 competitions and preserving as well the efforts of Choi and Park Jihyun in helping Kang carry the load on the offensive end.
Choi led all scorers with 23 points, including a 5-of-9 clip from deep as she and Kang combined for 11 of the team's 13 triples. Park, on the other hand, came through with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals.
Korea will soon shift their sights on the big battle ahead as they're set to face reigning champions China tomorrow, Tuesday, July 15. Game time is set at 19:30 local time, with both squads shooting for the Group A lead.
Shearer, meanwhile, led the Tall Ferns with 22 points, spiked by a pair of treys, in the heartbreaking loss. Rebecca Pizzey and McKenna Dale provided 11 points apiece while Esra McGoldrick chipped in 10 points.
New Zealand will look for win no. 1 versus Indonesia tomorrow as well at 13:30 local time.
FIBA