This all came out in the final 37 seconds of the Korea-Japan match... Even at the moment of victory, there was a 'timer malfunction' [Goyang]

*This content was translated by AI.

Could such a surge of cheers and sighs have erupted in such a short time? With 37 seconds remaining, tense scenes unfolded one after another.

The Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team defeated their 'arch-rival' Japan 81-79 in the final sixth match of Round 1 B Group of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers held at Son Arena in Goyang on the 6th.

As a result, Korea finished with three wins and three losses, accumulating nine points to secure second place in Group B and advance to the second round of qualifiers. In this first round, Korea was grouped with Japan, China, and Taiwan. Japan topped the group with four wins and two losses, earning ten points, while Korea climbed from fourth to second place by defeating Japan in the final match they absolutely had to win, concluding the first round.

China also recorded three wins and three losses with nine points but fell to third place due to the head-to-head rule. Nevertheless, they secured a spot in the second round. Taiwan finished last in the group with two wins and four losses, earning eight points, and was eliminated.

In this first round of Asian qualifiers, the top three teams from each group advance to the second round. Passing through the second round qualifies a team for the FIBA Basketball World Cup finals next year in Qatar. Excluding host nation Qatar, there are seven total spots allocated for the Asia-Oceania region. Korea has dramatically continued its bid for the World Cup.

The match was as fierce as expected for a Korea-Japan clash. Korea found itself in crisis midway through the third quarter, trailing by double digits. However, Choi Jun-yong (Busan KCC) changed the momentum.

With Korea trailing 40-51, Choi Jun-yong hit a crucial three-point shot to spark the comeback. He then led the offense with jump shots, fast-break points, and free throws drawn by fouls on opponents.

Korea closed the gap to 51-54 with just over one minute left in the third quarter. Of the 11th points Korea scored during this stretch, Choi Jun-yong accounted for nine. Eddie Daniel (Seoul SK) then followed up with a powerful dunk to narrow the deficit to one point, and Choi Jun-yong recorded the go-ahead basket to make it 55-54.

But the real crisis came in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. With 37 seconds remaining, Korea led 80-72. Japan had no choice but to foul intentionally. Given the remaining time and point differential, Korea needed to hold on for the win.

The atmosphere shifted dramatically. Confused by Japan's intentional fouling strategy, Korea struggled to make free throws. Meanwhile, Japan began its comeback. Yuta Watanabe hit a three-pointer while drawing a foul to complete a four-point play. Additionally, Lee Woo-seok (Military Police) committed a turnover. Coach Nicolas Majors protested the call, but it was in vain. Japan closed the gap to 78-80 with 10 seconds remaining.

Still, Korea held the advantage. All they needed was to respond calmly to the fouling strategy and make their free throws. However, Lee Woo-seok missed both free throws. Then, Jang Jae-seok (Busan KCC) committed a foul during a rebound battle, giving Japan free throw opportunities. Only five seconds remained.

Japan seized the chance to tie the game. Yet, Japan could not celebrate either. Japanese naturalized player Josh Hawkins missed one of his two free throws. The score was 80-79, still in Korea's lead.

Japan launched another intentional foul strategy. This time, Lee Woo-seok stepped up to the free throw line again. He made one of two attempts, putting Korea ahead 81-79. With 2.6 seconds remaining, it was a brief moment, but Japan had one last chance to tie or take the lead.

Japan opted for a three-point shot on their final possession. However, Rusei Sasaki's shot failed to go through the rim.

Then came another unexpected scene. During Japan's final offensive play, the game clock malfunctioned and did not advance properly. Fortunately, since Japan's shot missed, no major chaos ensued.

The referees reviewed the replay to confirm whether Japan had used all 2.6 seconds remaining. While awaiting the decision, the arena fell silent. Everyone held their breath. Finally, the referees made their ruling: Korea was declared the winner.

Only then did Korean players and fans erupt in relieved cheers. A match that swung between heaven and hell over those final 37 seconds. Korea defeated its arch-rival Japan and survived elimination fears.

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*This content was translated by AI.