*This content was translated by AI.
As the South Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team continues its dominant four-game winning streak at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, China has begun to issue formal warnings. The two teams could meet in the final after both advancing to the semifinals.
Led by Latvian coach Nicholas Mazulis, the South Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team decisively defeated Jordan 114-80 in the quarterfinals held on the 16th at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan.
After defeating Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Japan in the group stage, the team also overcame Jordan, securing four consecutive victories since the tournament opened.
Having advanced to the semifinals, South Korea will face Iran on the 18th at the same venue to determine who advances to the final.
South Korea's greatest strength in this tournament is its explosive offensive power.
Against Indonesia, South Korea scored 102 points; it also reached triple digits against Japan with 100 points and surged to 114 points in the quarterfinals against Jordan. The team recorded three-digit scoring in three of its four games.
China is closely monitoring this upward momentum by South Korea.
Chinese media outlet Sina.com described South Korea as "the biggest rival for China's men's basketball gold medal challenge at this Asian Games" after the team's decisive victory over Jordan.
It further reported, "South Korea gradually built momentum from the first quarter against Jordan, taking a commanding 28-8 lead and fully seizing control of the game. In the following three quarters, they managed their players while conducting live training drills, securing a comfortable victory."
The most highlighted player was Lee Hyun-jung. He exploded for 28 points in the quarterfinal against Jordan, leading South Korea's offense. He also recorded nine rebounds and five assists, playing a pivotal role not only in scoring but also in rebounding and game management.
Media outlets praised him, stating, "Lee Hyun-jung displayed completely dominant performance at this level of competition."
Lee Hyun-jung has been consistently active throughout the tournament. Starting with 23 points against Saudi Arabia in the group stage opener, he scored 24 points against Indonesia, 16 against Japan, and 28 against Jordan. Across four games, he accumulated a total of 91 points, averaging 22.7 points per game.
Sina.com also noted, "South Korea defeated Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Japan, and Jordan in all four games of this tournament. During this period, Lee Hyun-jung averaged 22.7 points per game."
China's concern extends beyond just Lee Hyun-jung. The media mentioned, "The South Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team also includes players like Yu Gi-sang and Lee Jeong-hyun."
In fact, in the quarterfinal against Jordan, Yu Gi-sang scored 16 points, including four three-pointers, while Lee Jeong-hyun added 12 points with three long-range shots. Other players provided solid support: Lee Woo-seok contributed 11 points, Byun Jun-hyeong scored 10, and Yeo Joon-seok, returning from injury, added nine points.
The media emphasized, "South Korea's decisive victory over Japan alone is enough to demonstrate that they are one of the strongest teams at this Asian Games."
China has also advanced to the semifinals. They defeated Saudi Arabia 87-78 in the quarterfinals and will face host nation Japan in the semi-finals.
If South Korea defeats Iran and China overcomes Japan, a China-South Korea final match will take place.
China has also focused on this possibility. The media reported, "Many fans and outlets believe there is a high probability that the men's basketball final at this Asian Games will be a showdown between China and South Korea."
From China's perspective, memories of recent matchups against South Korea are not favorable.
In the first round of Group B for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers held last year, South Korea faced China twice and won both games. They defeated China not only in home matches but also on an away trip to Beijing. At that time, Lee Hyun-jung and Lee Jeong-hyun played outstanding roles.
Sina.com stated, "There is now a possibility that the two teams will meet in the Asian Games final. It remains to be seen whether China can exact revenge against South Korea."
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
