Dongguk University kept its playoff hopes alive by beating Kyung Hee University at home. Dankook University in the women’s division took sole possession of first place with a win over Kangwon National University.
Dongguk University won 82-69 against Kyung Hee University in the men’s college basketball U-League 2023 at Dongguk University Gymnasium on Thursday. Dongguk University’s record in the university league is 5-8. They have a good shot at the playoffs.
As if recognizing the importance of the game, both teams played hard from the start. Dongguk University took the lead first with a basket by Ji Yong-hyun (201 cm, C) and a three-pointer by Baek Seung-yeop (184 cm, G).
Kyung Hee University didn’t go down without a fight. Kim Soo-oh (200 cm, F) scored a basket and Ahn Se-joon (196 cm, F) added a three-pointer to tie the game.
However, Dongguk University’s spear was sharper. Dongguk set the tone with two three-pointers from Lee Hak-seung (190 cm, F) and Baek Seung-yeop.
Despite a strong push from Kyung Hee University at the end of the first quarter, Dongguk ended the first quarter with a one-point advantage, 16-15. It was a close game between the teams that met on the wooden bridge.
After starting the second quarter with a one-point deficit, Kyung Hee University turned the tide early in the second quarter. Transitions and defense came alive.
Kyung Hee University got off to a good start with three straight points from Kim Soo-oh. Substitute Lee Hae-won (184 cm, G) added a point with an aggressive rim attack. The sophomore duo of Hwang Young-chan (178 cm, G) and Lee Seung-gu (190 cm, F) and Kim Soo-oh combined to extend the lead to 11 points.
After regrouping in regulation time, Dongguk University fought back with three-pointers. It was Lim Jung-hyun (192 cm, F) who opened the scoring. He also induced Kyung Hee University’s operating time.
Kyung Hee University’s timeout didn’t stop Dongguk University’s three-point shooting. Lim narrowed the gap with another three-pointer.
Park Seung-jae (180 cm, G) then refused to relinquish the spotlight to the junior. He made two three-pointers to complete the comeback. Dongguk ended the second quarter with a one-point advantage, 33-32.
Dongguk carried the momentum into the third quarter. The third quarter was also dominated by three-pointers.
Baek Seung-yeop, who showed off his fiery hands in the first quarter, knocked down a three-pointer and a jumper from long range. 안전놀이터
Kyung Hee University answered right back. Lee Seung-goo and Lim Sung-chae (185 cm, G) hit one three-pointer each. Lee Dae-gyun gave up a basket, but Lim Sung-chae responded with another three-pointer.
Dongguk University, however, had the height advantage. They kept getting offensive rebounds. Kyung Hee University’s momentum subsided. Park Seung-jae’s three-pointer also found the rim.
Dongguk ended the third quarter with a 54-46 lead. They widened the gap with a firecracker of three-pointers.