'0.2 seconds' left, a heartbreaking buzzer-beater... Women's basketball suffers another defeat to Japan, 'two-game losing streak in Korea-Japan rivalry'

*This content was translated by AI.

It was truly a heartbreaking comeback defeat.

The South Korean women's national basketball team concluded its away exhibition series against Japan with two consecutive losses. Led by head coach Park Soo-ho, Korea lost 77-78 to Japan in the 2026 Women's National Team Exhibition Match held on the 14th in Tokyo, Japan. This follows a previous 59-77 loss, an 18-point blowout, marking back-to-back defeats.

The comeback defeat was even more painful because Korea started strongly. From the beginning of the game, Korea dominated with long-range shots and seized early control. They finished the first quarter leading by a large margin, 22-9. Although Japan launched a counterattack in the second quarter, Korea maintained focus and widened the gap again, ending the first half with a 45-35 lead, up by 10 points.

Momentum was on Korea's side as they continued to disrupt Japan in the third quarter with long-range shots, steals leading to fast breaks, and more. Although they allowed eight consecutive points to Mauri Stephanie, they entered the fourth quarter still leading by seven points. While the gap gradually narrowed, it appeared Korea was securing victory without relinquishing their lead through the end of the third quarter.

However, they could not hold on in the final quarter. After allowing a three-point shot and beginning to waver, they struggled against Japan's defense and completely lost control. With about five minutes remaining, they even surrendered a go-ahead basket following a layup by Tanaka Kokoro and an and-one foul.

After regrouping, Korea immediately used long-range shots to stage a comeback and regain the lead. With 46 seconds remaining and leading 76-72, an opponent turnover seemed to seal the victory for Korea.

However, Korea failed to extend the lead further and instead allowed long-range shots, narrowing the gap to just one point at 76-75. With 9.6 seconds left, Hong Yu-sun (Shinhan Bank) made only one of two free throws, leaving the score at 77-75. On Japan's final possession, Tanaka's last three-point shot from the front went straight through the rim. Only 0.2 seconds remained. Ultimately, the game ended in a painful comeback defeat for Korea.

On this day, Kang I-seul (Woori Bank) scored 20 points with five rebounds, Lee Hae-ran (Samsung Life) contributed 17 points and five rebounds, and Choi Yi-sam (BNK) added 13 points, each performing well. However, they could not overcome key setbacks: Heo Ye-eun (KB) left the game due to injury in the middle of the third quarter, and Jin An (Hana Bank) was ejected with five fouls in the final moments.

This away exhibition series against Japan was held in preparation for the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup next month and the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Park Ji-soo (KB) could not participate due to an ankle injury, and Park Ji-hyun (Los Angeles Sparks) was unavailable due to her team's schedule.

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*This content was translated by AI.