The South Korea Team still relied on teamwork and shooting for its offense.
After another patient sequence of passes, their power forward hit a midrange jumper near the free-throw line. 4-5.
But Ryota Kudo quickly answered.
Facing the buzz-cut player's defense at the top of the arc, he strung together several quick crossovers, then suddenly rose for a pull-up jumper!
His motion was lightning-fast, and his release point was high!
Swish! Answer Ball!
The three went in! 7-5!
The game briefly settled into a stalemate.
The South Korea Team stayed close through well-coordinated teamwork and accurate shooting.
Kudo and his teammates countered with superior individual ability and Kudo's excellent playmaking.
The score climbed back and forth: 9-7, 9-10, 12-10...
As the game progressed, however, Ryota Kudo gradually figured out the South Korea Team's patterns-
They relied heavily on perimeter shooting and set plays, with a serious lack of one-on-one ability.
With the score at 12-10, the South Korea Team had possession.
The blond player tried to organize the offense again, but Eiji Sawakita stuck to him like glue, making him extremely uncomfortable.
The blond could only pass to the buzz-cut shooter moving off the ball once more.
This time, though, Ryota Kudo anticipated his passing lane!
The instant the ball left the blond's hands, Kudo exploded into motion and stretched out his long arm!
Smack! His fingertips caught the basketball!
He failed to secure the steal, but the ball changed direction and flew toward the sideline.
The blond and Kudo both lunged to save it!
With clearly superior speed and body control, Ryota Kudo reached the ball first, scooped it back, and hurled it against the blond's leg just as his own body was about to go out of bounds!
Tweet- The referee, a Chinese player temporarily filling the role,