(Asiad) S. Korea pounds Mongolia to grab quarterfinal berth in women's hoops

NAGOYA, Japan - South Korea dominated Mongolia 88-61 on Monday, securing a quarterfinal spot in the women's basketball tournament at the Asian Games. Forward Lee Hae-ran was the top contributor with 20 points, leading a balanced attack for the Korean team. Located in Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan, South Korea claimed their second consecutive victory in Group C. Following an opening win over Malaysia by an overwhelming 106-40 score on Friday, the South Korean women advanced to the quarterfinals before facing Chinese Taipei on Tuesday at the same Nagoya gym.

The Asian Games women's basketball competition features two groups of four teams and one group of three. The top two teams from each group, as well as the two best third-place teams, advance to the quarterfinals. All three third-place teams have suffered two losses, meaning South Korea will likely secure a quarterfinal berth as one of the top third-place teams, even if they lose to Chinese Taipei on Tuesday.

In Monday's game, South Korea outpaced Mongolia 28-9 in the first quarter, setting the stage for a dominant performance. Mongolia ultimately won the second half 42-37, but the early deficit proved insurmountable. Captain Kang Lee-seul, sidelined from the opening game due to an Achilles injury, still managed 15 points in just 16 minutes of action on Monday.

The South Korean women aim to surpass their bronze medal performance from three years ago, with their last gold medal achievement coming in 2014. On Sunday, the South Korean men's team secured a gold medal victory over Japan.