"We warned Korean Lee So-hee to be careful," ominous premonition in China proved correct as the 170cm short-statured player toppled the 223cm giant Zhang Ziyu... Lee Hae-ran also made a fierce impact.

*This content was translated by AI.

The player China had been wary of finally made a move. Lee So-hee (Busan BNK), a small guard standing around 170 cm, exploded for as many as 23 points, bringing down China's height advantage held by the towering 223 cm center Zhang Zhiwei.

Coach Park Soo-ho led the Korean Yeo Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team to an 85-80 victory over China in the women's basketball semi-final of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games held on the 25th at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan.

South Korea advanced to the Asian Games final for the first time in 12 years since the 2014 Incheon Games. The victory over China also marks the first such achievement in seven years, following the 2020 Tokyo Olympics women's basketball preliminary round held in 2019.

In fact, ahead of the match, local Chinese authorities were also highly wary of South Korea's wide-area attacks.

China, following Mongolia's lead, revealed weaknesses in its perimeter defense by allowing as many as 12 three-pointers during the quarterfinals.

China's Sinajing said ahead of the quarterfinals against South Korea, "This is the first 'real hurdle' that China's women's basketball team has faced in this tournament," adding, "Although China has won all five recent head-to-head matches, South Korea has also won all four games in this tournament and is in good form."

He added, "Korea's style is quite similar to the basketball Mongolia showed in the fourth quarter. Their strengths lie in being small and fast, with fast breaks, quick shooting, and accurate outside shots."

In particular, there were players singled out by Chinese media as targets of concern.

The team captain and ace Lee Seul (Asan Woori Bank), along with Lee So-hee and Choi Yi-sam (both from Busan BNK) and Lee Hae-ran (Yongin Samsung Life), were selected.

The media stated, "Four players have averaged double-digit points in this tournament," and highly praised the team, noting that "their outside firepower is evenly distributed and their shot selection is bold."

He also warned, "South Korea excels at creating three-point opportunities from open space by utilizing screens. Once their shooting rhythm picks up, they can quickly score in succession and seize the momentum."

China's ominous premonition has become reality.

At the center of it all was Lee So-hee.

Lee So-hee led the Korean offense with 23 points against China, including an impressive five three-pointers. Despite her petite stature of around 170 cm, she constantly shook up the Chinese defense with her speed, bold drives, and accurate outside shooting.

Especially in the crucial third and fourth quarters, he planted decisive three-pointers, igniting Korea's dramatic comeback.

Lee Hae-ran's presence was also powerful. Lee Hae-ran recorded 22 points and six rebounds, playing a one-two punch role for the Korean offense alongside Lee So-hee. She consistently scored from inside the paint and mid-range while actively engaging in rebound battles without holding back.

Lee So-hee also grabbed six rebounds, contributing to the battle in the paint despite her small stature.

China countered with an overwhelming height advantage, led by the 223cm "monster center" Zhang Ziwei.

However, South Korea has surpassed even that height.

China's Sohu.com highlighted South Korea's top scorers after the game, reporting that "Lee So-hee scored 23 points, while Lee Hae-ran recorded 22 points and six rebounds."

Later, in China, it was explained that Zhang Ziyi fought hard with 22 points and 7 rebounds.

Even the 223cm height of Zhang Ziwei ultimately could not stop South Korea's fast-paced basketball and perimeter firepower centered around Lee So-hee in the 170cm range.

South Korea advanced to the Asian Games final, defeating China for the first time in seven years.

The South Korean women's basketball team has reached the semifinals at every Asian Games since the sport was added as an official event in the 1974 Tehran tournament, never missing a single appearance.

With the exception of finishing fourth at the 2006 Doha Games, she has won a medal at every competition.

The goal of this tournament is to win the gold medal. South Korea will challenge for the Asian Games title for the first time in 12 years since the 2014 Incheon Games, marking their fifth overall victory (in 1978, 1990, 1994, and 2014).

With Team Nam Ja (CEO) securing the first gold medal in 12 years at this tournament, South Korean basketball needs just one more victory to achieve a men's and women's double crown.

The women's basketball finals will be held at 7:20 p.m. on the 26th.

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*This content was translated by AI.