On Monday, December 1, the Republic of Korea (ROK) secured a convincing 90-76 home win in Wonju, marking their second straight victory over the Chinese mainland in Group B play for Asian Qualifying to the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Just three days earlier in Beijing, the ROK eked out an 80-76 nail-biter, setting the stage for a psychological edge in this regional showdown.
The rematch turned into a one-sided affair from the opening tip. The ROK exploded out of the gate with a 28-13 first-quarter run, never looking back. By halftime, they held a commanding 52-29 lead, fueled by aggressive defense and a balanced offensive attack.
Standout guard Lee Jung-hyun poured in 24 points on clinical shooting, while Lee Hyun-jung added 20 points, following his 33-point outburst in Beijing last Friday. Behind their backcourt contributions, the ROK outpaced their rivals 54-36 in the paint and shot an impressive 47% from the field.
Despite a spirited comeback attempt led by Cheng Shuaipeng, who tallied a team-high 19 points before exiting with an injury in the fourth quarter, the Chinese mainland side couldn't erase a deficit that ballooned early. Center Zhou Qi chipped in a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to stem the ROK's momentum.
The games also showcased basketball's digital boom: live streams on FIBA's platform drew viewers from G20 nations, while social media buzzed with highlights, emphasizing the sport's growing appeal among young global citizens and esports fans.
With two wins from two in Group B, the ROK currently sits atop the mini-table, building confidence heading into their next qualifiers. The Chinese mainland team, meanwhile, faces critical adjustments as they look to rebound in upcoming games.
As the 2027 FIBA World Cup draws closer, these early matchups offer a glimpse into emerging talent and tactical shifts across Asia.
Reference(s):
ROK tops China for back-to-back victories in FIBA World Cup Qualifying
cgtn.com
