‘An All-Time Tight Match’ The Ko-Yeon Basketball Game, A Fantastic Win

On September 9, 2023, the atmosphere during the annual Ko-Yeon Basketball game was very heated. After losing baseball and ice hockey, Korea University was in desperate need of its first victory to rebound. Korea University defeated Yonsei University with a score of 64-60 in the third game held on September 9, the first Ko-Yeon Games Day. There were also concerns. There were changes within the team, with Jeong-hyeon Moon’s (P.E. ‘20, F) calling for the Korean national team, Jae-hyun Kim’s (P.E. ‘21, G) retirement, and Ju-young Shin’s (P.E. ‘22, F) early draft. However, with captain Mubin Park (P.E. ‘20, G) at the lead, freshmen Yuhyeon Moon (P.E. ‘23, G) and Dong Geun Lee (P.E. ‘23, F) came together and filled in the empty spaces of their seniors. 

Leading the First Half with Outer Shots and Rebound 

Korea University’s line-up was Mubin Park, Tae Heun Kim (P.E. ‘21, G), Jun Yang (P.E. ‘21, C), Yuhyeon Moon, and Dong Geun Lee. The first quarter started with Park’s three-point shot, and both teams continuously exchanged outer shots. At Yonsei University, their ace, Ki Sang Yu (Yonsei ‘20, G), and Ju Young Lee (Yonsei ‘23, G) led the team. But with Mubin Park, Ki Chan Yoon (P.E. ‘23, F), and Dong Geun Lee’s continuous three-point shot, Korea University finished the first quarter with a 25-16 lead.  

Korea University continued the lead in the second quarter. Although Yonsei scored 2p first, Mubin Park induced a foul and scored both free throws. Yonsei students were hyped by Ki Sang Yu’s three-point shot, but Korea University smoothly continued to defend. Even amid a heated cheering atmosphere, both teams played calmly. However, Ki Sang Yu and Mubin Park immediately succeeded in their outer shots, and Korea University accumulated more points with the players’ active movements. Korea University took a 12-point lead with a 39-27. The stadium was filled with Korea University due to the big score difference.   

Yonsei University’s Counteroffensive, But Still a Hot Finish 

During the third quarter, Korea University gave Yonsei the under-the-goal advantage and allowed them to chase up the score gap. Even though Yuhyeon Moon and Dong Geun Lee fought hard, Yonsei carried on attacking with the advantage of Ji Hoon Kang’s (Yonsei ‘23, F) height. Ju Young Lee’s outer shot and Ki Sang Lee’s quick breakthrough succeeded in the attack and lessened the score gap by only five points. The Korea University students and the cheerleaders continued their enthusiastic cheers to keep the atmosphere alive, and on the heated court, Moobin Park smoothly called on the players to continue their attacks. Korea University entered the fourth quarter with a narrow lead of 51-48.  

The fourth quarter started with Kyu Tae Lee’s two-point shot, which further narrowed the score gap by one point. The atmosphere was very tense. Due to the burden of physical strength, both teams continued to turn the tables by showing movements under the goal or with mid-range shots rather than hitting outside shots. With five minutes left in the game, Yonsei led by one point, but in the ensuing attack, Tae Hoon Kim made a blocked shot. In Yonsei’s subsequent attack, Yuhyeon Moon stole the ball and succeeded in a layup. Then, Yonsei, who was losing by six points, called a timeout. 
 
After the timeout, Yonsei hit a three-point shot and narrowed the score gap down to three points. Yuhyeon Moon, who earned a foul, smoothly hit the free throw and led again by five points. Yonsei Ki Sang Yu then made a two-point difference with just five seconds left by scoring a three-point shot on defense. However, Joon Hyung Park (PE ‘21, F), who pierced the press in the last attack, handed the ball to Joon Yang, and Korea University won 64-60 as Joon took a buzzer-beater dunk. 
 

The Goyang Gymnasium was overwhelmed with excitement by the fantastic finish. Korea University students celebrated their victory with the ‘Baetnorae’ cheer. After the game, captain Park Moo-bin said, "We haven't lost a game to Yonsei University this year," adding, "I'm happy to give you the victory in my last Kor-Yeon Games before graduation." The Korea University basketball team shared the joy of victory with the students by cheering ‘Baetnorae’ and ‘The Aria of the Nation.’ Jong-min Yoo (Biomedical Engineering ‘23), who was cheering intensively, said, "This is my first Kor-Yeon Games, and it was exciting to watch the back-to-back games,” adding, "My body is thrilled." Joon-young Seo (Economics ‘20) mentioned, "I've never seen such a fun game," and said, "I hope we can win the remaining rugby and football games, and bring back the victory."