▲ South Korean players cheer before a Group C preliminary match against Malaysia in the women's basketball tournament at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
The South Korean women's national basketball team defeated Taiwan in its final group stage match of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, securing three consecutive wins to finish at the top of its group.
Led by head coach Park Suho, the South Korean squad defeated Taiwan 73-59 in their final Group C match at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan, today (September 22).
Having already secured a quarterfinal berth by defeating Malaysia on September 18 and Mongolia on September 21, South Korea claimed first place in Group C with a 3-0 record.
In this tournament's women's basketball competition, 11 teams are divided into three groups for the preliminary round. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-place teams, advance to the quarterfinals to compete for medals in a knockout format.
Following the men's national team's victory in the final against Japan the day before yesterday (September 20), which marked their first gold medal in 12 years since the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, the women's team is also aiming to reclaim the top spot for the first time in 12 years.
The women's quarterfinals will take place on September 24, with the matchups to be determined later.
Unable to field Lee Hae-ran (Samsung Life Insurance) due to poor condition on this day, South Korea took an early 20-17 lead in the first quarter, propelled by the dual scoring threat of Choi I-sem (BNK, 7 points) and Kang Lee-seul (Woori Bank, 6 points).
As Taiwan's turnovers increased in the second quarter, South Korea widened the gap to double digits and led 42-29 by halftime.
South Korea laid the groundwork for seizing control by sinking 7 out of 12 three-point attempts in the first half alone.
With 4 minutes and 58 seconds remaining in the third quarter, a perimeter shot by Choi I-sem following a deft pass from Huh Ye-eun (KB) widened the margin to 20 points at 54-34.
Entering the fourth quarter ahead 59-41, South Korea briefly saw its lead narrowed to single digits (68-59) due to somewhat loose pressure and transitions coupled with a drop in offensive concentration, but successfully overcame the crisis as Huh Ye-eun and Choi I-sem combined for 5 consecutive points.
On this day, South Korea saw a well-rounded performance with five players scoring in double digits, led by Choi I-sem with 17 points.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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