Korea Pulls Off Major Upset, Defeats China in FIBA World Cup Qualifier – A Game for the Ages!
Beijing witnessed a seismic shock in the world of Asian basketball today as the South Korean national team delivered a stunning 80-76 victory over host nation China in the first game of Group B of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Preliminary round. This isn’t just a win; it’s a statement, a potential turning point, and a massive boost for Korean basketball. For those following basketball news, this is the upset of the day.
Lee Hyun-joong’s Historic Performance Fuels Korean Triumph
The star of the show, without a doubt, was Lee Hyun-joong. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, dominating the game with a breathtaking 33 points and 14 rebounds, including an incredible 9 three-pointers. Lee’s early barrage of long-range shots set the tone, consistently thwarting China’s attempts to leverage their size advantage. This performance isn’t just a highlight reel moment; it’s a demonstration of the growing talent within the Korean basketball program. It’s a performance that will be studied and analyzed for years to come, a masterclass in offensive efficiency.
Beyond Lee: A Team Effort Seals the Deal
While Lee Hyun-joong stole the headlines, this victory was a true team effort. Veteran Lee Jung-hyun contributed 13 points and 7 assists, expertly orchestrating the offense. Ahn Young-jun added 13 points, 6 rebounds, a steal, and a block, showcasing his all-around abilities. Seunghyun Lee provided crucial stability with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Ha Yoon-ki’s physical play, including a powerful dunk over Hu Jin-chu, energized the team and the fans. This depth of talent is a key indicator of Korea’s potential for success in the upcoming rounds.
Game Recap: A Battle of Momentum Shifts
Korea started strong, holding China scoreless for a significant stretch in the first quarter and building a 24-16 lead. The second quarter saw continued dominance, extending the lead to 47-34 at halftime. China mounted a comeback in the third, utilizing their height advantage, but Lee Hyun-joong consistently answered with clutch three-pointers, keeping Korea in front 61-52. The fourth quarter saw a dramatic surge from Korea, building a seemingly insurmountable 19-point lead. Although China rallied late, narrowing the gap to just three points, a crucial offensive rebound and free throw by Ahn Young-jun, coupled with key defensive stops, sealed the victory.
China’s Struggles and the Impact of the Upset
Despite strong performances from Zhang Zhenlin (20 points, 8 rebounds) and Liao Saning (17 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists), China couldn’t contain Korea’s offensive firepower. Pre-match odds heavily favored China (1.02 to Korea’s 10.50), making this result all the more shocking. The loss is a significant blow to China’s pride and their aspirations in the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament. This result will undoubtedly spark intense scrutiny of the Chinese national team’s preparation and strategy. For FIBA, this upset adds an exciting dynamic to the Asian qualifying rounds.
What This Means for the Group and Beyond
Korea now sits atop Group B alongside Japan, who also secured a win against Chinese Taipei. The top three teams from this group will advance to the second round. The Korean team’s confidence will be sky-high heading into their home game against China on December 1st at DB Promy Arena in Wonju. This victory isn’t just about one game; it’s about building momentum, establishing Korea as a legitimate contender, and inspiring a new generation of basketball players. The Korean team has demonstrated that with determination, skill, and a little bit of magic, anything is possible. This is a story that will continue to unfold, and you can stay up-to-date with all the latest sports news right here on archyde.com.
The energy surrounding Korean basketball is palpable, and this win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff. As the team prepares for their home match, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere and a continued display of exceptional basketball. Keep checking back with archyde.com for in-depth analysis, exclusive interviews, and all the breaking news from the world of sports.
