The Korea women’s basketball team kicked off the 2026 Asian Games with a commanding 106-40 victory over Malaysia on September 18, 2026, at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan.
Why it matters: This win marks a strong start for Korea as they aim for their fourth consecutive medal at the Asian Games. The team’s performance sets a positive tone for the tournament, which includes 11 participating nations.
Korea's victory is notable not just for the score but also for their impressive performance, scoring over 100 points in their opening game.
The team is seeking to reclaim the gold medal, having not won since the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.
This tournament format allows the top two teams from each group and the best two third-placed teams to advance to the quarterfinals.
Driving the news: Under the guidance of coach Park Soo-ho, the Korean team quickly turned the tide after a shaky start, initially trailing 6-8 in the first quarter. They regained control and finished the first quarter leading 22-10.
After struggling early on, Korea’s defense tightened, leading to a series of turnovers by Malaysia.
The second quarter showcased Korea’s shooting prowess, hitting seven three-pointers and extending their lead to 59-22 by halftime.
In total, Korea attempted 35 three-pointers, successfully making 15, resulting in a 43% shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
State of play: The Korean team dominated both offensively and defensively throughout the match, out-rebounding Malaysia 52-26.
Six players scored in double digits, highlighting the team’s depth and balanced scoring.
Lee So-hee led the team with 21 points, including five three-pointers, along with four steals and four assists.
Choi Yi-sam contributed significantly with 19 points and seven rebounds, playing a key role in the victory.
Other contributors included Heo Ye-eun (11 points, 8 assists), Kang Yu-rim (11 points), Lee Hae-ran (12 points), and Jung Hyun (10 points).
The big picture: This match is part of a broader strategy for Korea, which aims to secure a medal after consistently performing well in previous Asian Games.
Korea’s last medal was a silver in the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, and they are determined to return to the top of the podium.
The team is competing in a group that includes Mongolia and Taiwan, with their next match against Mongolia scheduled for September 21.
Coach Park faces challenges with key players like Park Ji-soo and Park Ji-hyun missing due to injuries and club commitments.
What they're saying: The players expressed their excitement and determination following the victory.
"We started off slow but managed to find our rhythm and play our game," Lee So-hee said after the match.
Coach Park noted, "This win is just the beginning; we need to keep this momentum going into the next games."
By the numbers: The statistics from the game highlight Korea's dominance.
Korea shot 88% from the free-throw line, sinking 15 of 17 attempts.
They recorded 52 rebounds compared to Malaysia's 26, demonstrating their control in the paint.
The team forced numerous turnovers from Malaysia, capitalizing on these opportunities to build their lead.
What's next: Following this impressive opening match, Korea faces Mongolia on September 21 at 1 PM in the same arena.
As they prepare for the upcoming games, maintaining their defensive intensity and shooting accuracy will be key for the team.
With their sights set on the gold medal, the players are focused on executing their game plan effectively in the next matches.
As the tournament progresses, attention will turn to Korea to see if they can continue their winning ways and secure another medal at the Asian Games!