Lee Hyunjung's Double-Double Leads Korean Men's Basketball to Sweep Over Japan

Yeo Junseok Also Contributes 15 Points

With Lee Hyunjung (Illawarra) recording a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, the Korean men's basketball national team won both home evaluation matches against Japan.

Led by coach Ahn Junho, the Korean national team defeated Japan 84-69 in the second game of the Hana Bank Invitational 2025 Men's Basketball National Team Evaluation Series, held at Anyang Jeong Kwan Jang Arena on the 13th.

Korea had previously beaten Japan by 14 points, 91-77, in the first game at the same venue on the 11th.

On the 13th, during the 2025 men's basketball national team evaluation match between Korea and Japan, coach Ahn Junho and the players are celebrating the team's scoring success. Photo by Yonhap News

This second game showcased the true value of Lee Hyunjung, who played college basketball in the United States and now competes in the Australian league.

Lee Hyunjung troubled Japan both inside and outside the paint, and when the defense focused on him, Yeo Junseok (Seattle University) and Lee Junghyun (Sono) contributed to the scoring.

Japan briefly shifted the momentum late in the first quarter by bringing in Jon Harper, who is quick and a strong three-point shooter, but that was short-lived. Korea's dominance became even more evident in the second quarter, and by halftime, the gap had widened to 50-34, a 16-point lead.

Having scored 19 points in the first half, including five three-pointers, Lee Hyunjung was substituted to the bench early in the third quarter when the lead stretched to 20 points. Although Korea's defense loosened in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, allowing Japan to close the gap, the team ultimately secured a 15-point victory.

Despite playing only through the third quarter, Lee Hyunjung recorded a double-double with 19 points, including five three-pointers, and 12 rebounds. Yeo Junseok also played only through the third quarter, supporting Lee with 15 points and 9 rebounds.

Korea will play two more evaluation matches against Qatar at the same arena on the 18th and 20th, before heading to the Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5 to 17.