Asia’s most storied basketball rivals met again.
Korea ousted Japan in 81-68 win to step up in the quarterfinals against the unbeaten Philippine team in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup in Beirut, Lebanon, August 14.
Kim Sunhyung sank back-to-back treys that produced 13-point lead with five minutes remaining in the stretch.
Although Japan put up an eight-point front in the first frame, the crew was shut by Korea’s merciless halfcourt sets in the fourth quarter.
Japan’s Tanaka Daiki tried to spark hopes with his three at 4:07 mark but soon received the releases of free throw responses by Korean squad.
Kim carved 16 points, same with Oh Se Keun plus seven assists, lifting Korea in the semifinals.
Naturalized player Ira Brown led Japan with 14 points and five rebounds; Tanaka produced 12 points and four rebounds.
Korea’s next assignment will be on August 16 to duel Gilas Pilipinas.
(Disclaimer: Photo Courtesy of FIBA.com)
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