[Asian Games] S. Korea captures gold in men's 3x3 basketball

NAGOYA, Japan - South Korea claimed their first Asian Games gold medal in men's 3x3 basketball on Friday, defeating Qatar 19-10 at Kinjo Futo Station Square Venue in Nagoya. The South Korean squad comprised four collegiate players: Lee Ju-yeong, Kim Seung-woo, Lee Dong-geun, and Ku Min-gyo, with each nation maintaining a backup player.

Lee Ju-yeong spearheaded his team with nine points and hit three long-range shots. The South Korean women's team secured the bronze medal earlier in the day by outplaying Thailand 21-8. The Korean men's team had previously clinched gold in the 5x5 tournament on Sunday, while the women's 5x5 team reached the final by defeating China in the semifinals on Friday.

This 3x3 title marked South Korea's 800th gold in Asian Games history. The 3x3 basketball made its Asian Games debut in 2018, with Korea winning silver that year and fourth place in 2023. The 3x3 competition consists of one 10-minute period, where shots from behind the arc are worth two points, and those inside the line are one point each. South Korea maintained a 6-4 lead at the close of the match.