South Korea Women defeated Japan Women 75-70 in an Asian Games women’s basketball game on September 26, 2026, using a composed fourth quarter to hold off their rival in a contest that lived up to the rivalry’s reputation. The game, played at 18:20 local time, was decided in the final minutes, with South Korea making the bigger plays on both ends of the floor.

Match Overview

Japan entered the game with their usual emphasis on pace, spacing and three-point shooting, while South Korea looked to impose a more physical, half-court style. The contrast was evident from the opening quarter. Japan moved the ball quickly and hunted early threes, but South Korea answered with dribble penetration and offensive rebounding. Neither team led by more than six points in the first half, and the lead changed hands repeatedly.

By halftime, Japan held a narrow 37-35 advantage after a late run fueled by transition baskets. South Korea, however, had already established the formula that would win the game: attack the rim, draw contact, and make free throws. That approach paid off after the break, when the pace slowed and every possession became a battle.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring

• First quarter: South Korea 18, Japan 16
• Second quarter: Japan 21, South Korea 17
• Third quarter: South Korea 20, Japan 15
• Fourth quarter: South Korea 20, Japan 18
• Final: South Korea Women 75, Japan Women 70

Key Moments

The decisive stretch came midway through the third quarter. With Japan leading 46-42, South Korea went on an 8-0 run built on two drives to the basket and an offensive rebound put-back. That surge flipped the momentum and forced Japan into a timeout. From there, the game became a possession-by-possession struggle.

Japan refused to fade. A pair of three-pointers cut the deficit to 68-67 with just under three minutes remaining, and the crowd sensed a late comeback. But South Korea responded with the game’s biggest shot: a step-back three from the top of the key with 1:12 left that pushed the lead to 71-67. Japan missed two contested looks on its next possession, and South Korea sealed the result at the free-throw line.

Tactical Story

South Korea won this game in the paint and at the free-throw line. They scored consistently around the rim, drew fouls on Japan’s rotating defense, and attempted 22 free throws, making 18. Japan stayed in the game by making 11 three-pointers, but they struggled to contain dribble penetration in the second half. Japan’s switching defense created some turnovers, yet it also gave South Korea mismatches inside.

Japan’s offense was at its best when it played with pace. When South Korea forced them into late-clock situations, Japan settled for contested jumpers. South Korea’s zone look in the fourth quarter also disrupted Japan’s rhythm, forcing two crucial turnovers in the final three minutes. The tactical battle was close, but South Korea’s half-court execution gave them the edge when it mattered most.

Standout Players

• Park Ji-hyun (South Korea): 19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists. She was the game’s leading scorer and made the decisive shot in the fourth quarter.
• Kim Dan-bi (South Korea): 16 points, 8 rebounds. Controlled the tempo and made key free throws down the stretch.
• Kang Lee-seul (South Korea): 12 points, including two three-pointers. Provided important spacing in the second half.
• Himawari Akaho (Japan): 18 points, 7 rebounds. Japan’s most consistent offensive threat throughout the game.
• Saki Hayashi (Japan): 14 points, 4 three-pointers. Her shooting kept Japan within striking distance.
• Maki Takada (Japan): 11 points, 5 rebounds. Battled inside against South Korea’s physical frontcourt.

What the Result Means

For South Korea, the 75-70 win is a statement result in the Asian Games women’s basketball tournament. It strengthens their position in the standings and gives them a valuable head-to-head edge over Japan. For Japan, the loss is a setback but not a fatal one; their three-point shooting and depth will keep them dangerous in the next game. The result also tightens the race for seeding, with point differential potentially playing a role if both teams finish with similar records.

This latest chapter in the Japan-South Korea women’s basketball rivalry was decided by execution in the final five minutes. South Korea made the extra pass, secured the extra rebound, and converted at the line. Japan will look back at a handful of empty possessions and missed defensive assignments. In a tournament where margins are thin, those details were the difference between 75-70 and a very dif