(Asiad) S. Korea reaches women's basketball semifinals

NAGOYA, Japan, September 24 - South Korea advanced to the women's basketball semifinals of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games by defeating Indonesia 101-59 in the quarterfinals on Thursday. Seven players scored in double figures, contributing to the victory. The game took place at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya.

For the semifinals, South Korea will face the winner of the Mongolia-China quarterfinal match. Head coach Park Soo-ho is aiming for South Korea's first gold medal in women's basketball since 2014 and its fifth overall. The men's team secured gold earlier in the same tournament.

South Korea dominated early, scoring six three-pointers in the first quarter and taking a 28-18 lead in the initial 10 minutes. They expanded their lead to 52-30 during the second quarter with four more long-distance shots. After a brief scoreless period at the start of the third quarter, South Korea regained its momentum and built a 71-43 lead heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter began with a 7-0 run by South Korea, solidifying their victory. Team captain Choi I-saem led the scoring with 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting. Guards Heo Ye-eun and An He-ji each contributed eight assists.

Coach Park expressed satisfaction with the game, noting Indonesia's improvement and the team's smooth performance in the second half. He predicted China would defeat Mongolia to reach the semifinals, emphasizing South Korea's strength in transition opportunities and shooting.

Captain Kang Lee-seul, who scored 11 points and made three three-pointers, called for sharper defense from the team. Kang reiterated South Korea's goal of matching the men's team's success and preparing for the crucial semifinal game.