PNU women's basketball team runs for the championship
The PNU women's basketball team has won 10 games in a row and is two games away from winning.
The women’s basketball team of Pusan National University (PNU), which has won 10 consecutive games, is only two games away from securing the top spot in the regular league this year. In particular, the match against Gwangju University, a long-time rival, seems to be the decisive game to determine the championship.
According to the “Channel PNU” report on the 13th, the PNU women’s basketball team is currently steadily winning the “2024 KUSF College Basketball (Female) U-League.” On the 9th, the PNU women’s basketball team won 92-24 against the University of Ulsan, achieving a record of 10 wins and no losses in the regular league. During the game against the University of Ulsan, quick transitions (switching between attack and defense) followed by an active rebound in the second quarter resulted in a significant lead. Until the league championship, games against Kangwon National University on September 26th and Gwangju University on October 1st remain.
PNU will face Gwangju University, its long-time rival, in the final game of the regular league. PNU has participated in the college basketball league since 2019 and lose four out of six to Gwangju University. In the 2022 semifinal playoff, they were leading 50-60 in the middle of the third quarter but ended up losing and suffered a bitter 51-63 loss in the 2023 championship game. In the first game against Gwangju University on April 9th, PNU narrowly won 52-50. PNU is currently leading the regular league, followed by Gwangju University.
PNU players said they would compensate for their disappointment in the last game against Gwangju University. Reporters met several players at the stadium on the 11th. Lee Eun-So (Dept. of Physical Education, 22) said, “In the first round match held on April 9th, we lost points due to small mistakes made in blocking attacks. We will try to make up for those disappointments in the next match.” Park Da-Jeong (Dept. of Physical Education, 21) said, “I think our team has good speed, like Gwangju University. Gwangju University regards us as a strong competitor and is preparing by analyzing our team closely. We also do our best in every training to show stronger performance.”
The coaches are also doing their best to win the championship. The PNU basketball team also conducted systematic weight and technical training starting from the 2024 winter training. Coach Kwak Joo-Young said, “The previous game was excellent in terms of play, but mistakes made at the peak of the game led to mental pressure and many missed two-point shots. Gwangju University has a similar way of playing and physicality to PNU, so the game feels difficult. But if the players stay focused on the small details and play at their own pace, they will likely play an easy game.”
With an exciting competition expected between the two universities, the players developed teamwork and showed enthusiasm for the championship. Leader Jeong Se-Hyun (Dept. of Physical Education, 21) said, “All team members will continue to play well in the future because they have a strong sense of responsibility under the goal of winning.” “I think our 10th consecutive win is the result of everyone, including the fans, who support us. I will win not only the last game of the regular season but also the playoffs and win the championship,” player Park said. Meanwhile, the playoffs will begin in November after the end of the regular league.
Reporter Jeong Su-Vin
Translated by Seo Ye-Jin