Lee Hyunjung went out guns blazing, setting a FIBA World Cup Qualifiers record with nine three-pointers in Korea’s 80-76 victory over China at Wukesong Arena on Friday.
Lee, who currently plays for Nagasaki in the B.League, now holds sole possession of the record, previously shared by eight players — the most recent being Team USA’s John Jenkins in their win over Colombia on August 29, 2022.
China trailed by 19 points, 77-58, with 4:11 remaining, before staging a huge comeback. The lead was cut to three, 79-76, with 21 seconds left, but missed opportunities by Zhang Zhenlin allowed Korea to secure the win.
An Youngjun and Lee Junghyun contributed 13 points each for Korea.
Zhang led China with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Liao Sanning scored 17. Zhou Qi recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
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In the other Group B match, Japan got off to a strong start, routing Chinese Taipei 90-64 at Glion Arena Kobe.
Yuta Watanabe led the way with 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Josh Hawkinson showcased his all-around game with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.
Yudai Baba added 14 points, and sharpshooting guard Keisei Tominaga fired 13 points, including two three-pointers.
In West Asia, Lebanon and Iran picked up contrasting victories.
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Lebanon narrowly escaped with a 75-74 win over Qatar, with Youssef Khayat delivering the game-winner at Lusail Multipurpose Hall.
Wael Arakji led the Lebanese attack with 19 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Khayat contributed nine points, six rebounds, and a steal.
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Meanwhile, Iran knocked down 19 triples — the third most ever in the Asian Qualifiers — in a 94-68 rout of Iraq at Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex.
Sina Vahedi, who is Meralco’s Asian import in the EASL, made three three-pointers and finished with 21 points. Behnam Yakhchali and Matin Aghajanpour each drained five treys for 19 and 15 points, respectively.
Arman Zangeneh (13 points) and Navid Rezaeifar (11 points) also added three triples apiece.
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Joining Lebanon as early leaders in Group D is Saudi Arabia, which claimed a 75-51 win over India at Riyadh Green Hall. Muhammad-Ali Adur-Rajkman spearheaded the effort with 23 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
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In Group C, Jordan defeated Syria 75-59 at Prince Hamza to join Iran atop the group.
Jalen Cole Harris scored 22 points for Jordan, while Ahmad Al Dwairi added 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting with 10 rebounds. Freddy Ibrahim chipped in 13 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.
