Korea University, led by a solid defense, won the combined championship for two years in a row

Korea University’s defense remained strong even in the playoffs, which became the driving force behind the victory.

Korea University won 60-57 over Yonsei University in the 2023 KUSF University Basketball U-League South University Playoff final held at Korea University Hwajeong Gymnasium on the 14th. With the victory on this day, Korea University succeeded in winning the combined championship for the second time in a row.

Korea University recorded 13 wins and 1 loss in this regular season. The winning margin was +30.7. Korea University scored 84.6 points per game, 9.1 more points than Yonsei University, which had the second highest average points per game. He also grabbed the most rebounds. Korea University, with its height at the forefront, grabbed 46.4 rebounds per game.

Although the offense was great, Korea University’s true strength came from its defense. Korea University coach Joo Hee-jung focused more on defense than offense, and the results were sufficient. Korea University’s average score this season was only 53.9 points. This is the lowest score ever conceded. In particular, the 2-point field goal percentage allowed was only 39%. Additionally, Korea University recorded 11.8 steals per game. This was also first in the league.

Korea University was the best defensive team in the league last season as well. The average number of goals conceded was 65.2 points, the lowest in the league. However, this season, they played a more advanced defense. This was the reason why Korea University was able to achieve a combined championship.

After winning the regular season, coach Joo Hee-jung said, “We had one loss, so we failed to win the championship. However, he expressed his satisfaction, saying, “I am satisfied that we have conceded the lowest number of goals ever.”

Korea University’s defense shined in the finals as well. Korea University only raised 60 points. However, they won the game by tying their opponent to 57 points. He made 19 mistakes through strong pressure. Yonsei University, which struggled with Korea University’s defense, recorded a field goal success rate of 35%.메이저놀이터

The game was a close contest from beginning to end. The gap widened to 12 points in the middle of the third quarter, but Korea University succeeded in catching up with Park Moo-bin and Moon Yu-hyun. And Korea University won the game with Moon Yoo-hyun’s winning goal 1 second before the end of the game.

Even after winning the playoffs, what Coach Joo emphasized was defense. Coach Joo said, “We are a defensive team. We had to start with defense. “The players implemented this and were able to turn it around,” he said, selecting the defender with approval.

What ace and captain Park Moo-bin emphasized was defense. After the game against Yonsei University, Park Moo-bin said, “We have won through defense so far. However, today the players seemed to be trying to be aggressive. So we emphasized defense. ‘How can we win when the opponent plays harder and defends better than us? I think I told the players something like, ‘We also have to play defense first.’ “After that, the defense loosened up and we won the game,” he said about the defense.

Photo courtesy of Korea University Basketball Federation (KUBF)