For the second straight game, Yonsei guard Lee Joo-young (22, 189 cm, guard) has been a force in the shootout, leading the team to back-to-back wins.
Lee has been dominant in the 47th Korea-Japan University Games in Japan. In Game 1, Lee scored 17 points, including three 3-pointers, to go along with six rebounds and two assists to lead Team Korea to a 64-57, seven-point victory.
She struggled a bit in Game 2. However, she hit a crucial three-pointer with under a minute left in the fourth quarter to give her team a 55-53, two-point victory. She finished with six points, two rebounds, and two assists. Lee’s presence came in crunch time. 카지노 She was a solid helper for Lee Dong-geun, who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Lee told the publication, “First of all, I’m very happy. I’m so happy to have won two games in a row and clinched the title, and I want to thank my teammates and coaching staff,” Lee said, adding, “It was not an easy two games. I think we won because all the players worked so hard. Also, there were so many Korean fans at the stadium that I was confused about whether I was at home or not, so I think I was able to win two matches in a row because of the fans’ support.”
“I think it’s my responsibility to make shots in important moments, even if they don’t go in, and the team has a lot of faith in me, so I was able to do it confidently. I’m glad it all worked out for the best. I’m having the experience of being stronger in such important moments. I think I can be stronger,” she said.
Lee’s three-pointer in the second game was a highlight. It was the game-winning three-pointer.
“I felt a little bit heavy today because I exerted a lot of energy in the first game. I was sorry that I couldn’t help the team in the second and third quarters. I was trying to play defense and help out, but the three-pointer came at a crucial moment. I was just trying to help out on defense, and then I hit a three at a crucial moment, and it was so nice to see the team celebrate and the mood lifted,” he recalled.
Lee also had a clutch performance in the final against Japan in the U18 tournament, helping Korea win the title. It was a déjà vu moment for Lee, and another memory from her college career.
“It was Japan in the U18 final, too. “In a way, I’ve been playing against Japan back-to-back in international competitions, and it’s a great experience and a team I’ve learned a lot from. I thought it was an opportunity for me to grow. I came to Japan with the determination to cherish every game I played with such a good team and to play without regrets, and I wanted to return to Korea with a victory. I think I was halfway there,” she said.
Now, Lee is looking forward to her final match.
“Two wins is not enough,” she said. I will try to get three wins and make the best of it. I think I recovered a lot of stamina in the second game because the other players played well. When I play in the third round, I want to give it my all on the court and win the match.”
Zarita Pflaster