Korea survives Chinese-Taipei comeback rally to win Group D

NONTHABURI (FIBA U18 Asian Championship 2018) - Chinese-Taipei gave Korea their biggest scare of the tournament, but the top-seeded team in Group D were still able to come away with an entertaining win 97-86.

Korea came into the game on a roll and firing on all cylinders, looking forward to a win to sweep the competition in Group D. Chinese Taipei had also won both of their first games, but had struggled to put away India which Korea had done with ease.

The two teams were separated by a hair for most of the first half, as they zipped and zoomed up the court in a fast-paced bout. Chinese Taipai had been able to hold Korea’s field goal percentage to the low 30s in the first half which was an impressive defensive stance, but they had to sacrifice a large number of fouls in the process. Those fouls led to 22 free throw attempts by Korea, which they converted into 14 points.

Korea pushed the lead out to 17 at the end of the third quarter, their biggest of the game. Chinese Taipei however were not ready to back down and made a run to attempt another 4^th quarter comeback victory. Powered by big man Jonah Morrison, Chiese-Taipei stormed back to within 84-78 before flaming out an eventually losing the game. Morrison finished the game with a breakout of 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

Hyunjung Lee was the main force for Korea as usual with 26 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. He also committed 7 turnovers and fouled out of the game when Chinese Taipei made their run. Korea got a solid contribution from big man Jun Seok Yeo (18 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks) and sharpshooter Moobeen Park (25 points and 4 three-pointers) to help get them through the Chinese Taipei burst.

Korea finishes in first place of Group D, getting a one-day break before playing in the Quarterfinals. Chinese Taipei finishes in second place, setting up a playoff match against Bahrain for a ticket to the Quarterfinals.

FIBA