South Korea defeated China 85-80 in the Asian Games women's basketball semifinal to reach the gold-medal game. Korea entered the matchup ranked 14th by FIBA, compared with China's No. 7 position, and also faced a major size disadvantage that included 224-centimeter center Zhang Ziyu. The Korean team compensated with perimeter shooting, faster transitions and steadier ball control.
The victory was South Korea's first over China in seven years, according to the Korean report covering the semifinal. Rather than trying to match China's height inside, Korea created scoring opportunities from outside and pushed the pace when possession changed. The five-point win sent the team into the final and ended China's bid to control the tournament through its interior advantage alone.
South Korea is now one victory from its first Asian Games women's basketball gold in 12 years. Reaching the final already marks a major tournament result, but the last game will determine whether this run becomes a championship. The semifinal also gives the team a clear tactical reference: disciplined possession and outside shooting allowed Korea to beat a stronger-ranked opponent without winning the height battle.