"national team center" Park Ji-su (28) was strong even without him. Despite the setback of Park Ji-su's injury, Cheongju KB Stars completed game 1 with a decisive victory and moved closer to the trophy.
Cheongju KB Stars defeated Yongin Samsung Life Insurance 69-56 in game 1 of the BNK Financial 2025-2026 Women's Professional Basketball Championship held at Cheongju Gymnasium on the 22nd. Historically, the team that wins the first game of the finals has gone on to win the championship 73.5% (25/34).
Unexpected news arrived before the game. Regular-season MVP Park Ji-su injured her ankle during training and was unable to play. It was a major variable that could affect not only this game but also the outcome of the championship.
Still, KB did not waver. They fielded a lineup centered on shorter players and ran a fast-tempo offense, and Kang Yi-seul and Heo Ye-eun steadied the team. Thanks to that, KB allowed Kang Yu-rim 11 points in 10 minutes yet still finished the first quarter tied 18-18.
KB began to pull away. In the second quarter Heo Ye-eun scored 8 points, including two 3-pointers, and Kang Yi-seul and Na Yoon-jung also added points. Samsung Life Insurance looked like it might chase back thanks to the efforts of Hamamishi Nanami, but KB's defense limited them to 8 points. The first half ended with KB leading 35-26.
Kang Yi-seul's offensive power also exploded. She began racking up points from the start of the third quarter, hitting three 3-pointers and scoring 12 points by herself. Heo Ye-eun also continued to hit shots from the outside. At the end of the third quarter the gap had widened to double digits at 55-43.
There was no comeback. On the contrary, KB opened the fourth quarter with consecutive 3-pointers from Heo Ye-eun and Kang Yi-seul to pull away and seize the momentum. As the two players continued to lead the offense, the margin grew to more than 20 points. The game ended with a KB victory.
Kang Yi-seul recorded 23 points and 6 rebounds, and Heo Ye-eun also shone with 18 points and 6 assists. Sakai Sarado showed her presence with 9 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. For Samsung Life Insurance, Kang Yu-rim (18 points, 3 rebounds) and Lee Hye-ran (9 points, 8 rebounds) fought hard, but there was disappointment as Bae Hye-yoon was limited to 5 points and 4 rebounds.<
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