Is it a victory or a reversal? A watershed in the series, who will laugh.
Women's professional basketball (WKBL) BNK has won its first championship (best out of five) and is moving toward its first championship. Woori Bank, which suffered a bitter upset, desperately needs a rebound. The two teams will play the second game of the Hana Bank 2024-2025 WKBL Championship at 7 p.m. on the 18th at the Yi Sun-shin Gymnasium in Asan. In the first game on the 16th, BNK succeeded in gaining the upper hand with 53-47.
The second round is expected to be a turning point. "Both teams had blood clots leading up to the fifth round in the playoff. The physical burden is inevitable," MBC Sports+ commentator Kim Yeon-joo said. "The meaning of (BNK) first two wins in the best-of-five series could really increase. It is to bring the mood instantly." "The second round is really important. The mood of the series will change depending on whether (Woori Bank) can tie the game with one win and one loss," MBC Sports+ commentator Kim Il-doo said.
Attention is also focusing on how Woori Bank will block BNK, which has gained momentum. Looking at the flow of the first round, BNK struggled in the early stages of the game, being blocked by Woori Bank's strong defense. In fact, the team lagged behind 5-18 in the first quarter, seemingly deciding the outcome in the early stages. However, it doggedly followed and succeeded in winning the game from behind. The victory on the day is significant in that the team gained confidence. According to the WKBL, the team that won the first round of the championship is equivalent to 24 out of 33 times, 72.7 percent.
The older sisters` presence is unmistakable. Park Hye-jin (14 points, six rebounds) and Kim Sonia (11 points, 14 rebounds) combined for 25 points and 20 rebounds in the first game. In addition, Ahn Hye-ji, Lee So-hee and Saki Iijima all have scoring ability. The team also came from behind to win in the first round in various attack routes. 메이저사이트
Woori Bank's turnaround depends on how it overcomes its dependence on Kim Dan-bi, the biggest issue in this series. In the first round, ace Kim Dan-bi showed strong performance with 20 points and 18 rebounds, but failed to secure a victory. Other than Kim, there is no other player who has scored double-digit points and scored rebounds. Woori Bank coach Wi Sung-woo also stressed that "(Kim) Dan-bi cannot do everything alone."
To counterattack, a more balanced attack is needed. In addition to Kim Dan-bi, additional attack options should be provided. Supporting shots from Momona Miyasaka and Lee Myung-kwan are urgently needed. Veteran Shim Sung-young and rookie Lee Min-ji also need to show different sides.
Victory or defeat in the second round will depend on a lot of things. The upcoming third and fourth rounds will take place at Sajik Gymnasium in Busan on Tuesday and Sunday. The best scenario is that Woori Bank, which is seeking to change its mood, will make an away match by garnering one win and one loss in the series. If BNK wins the second round, it will be able to return to its home turf with a big lead. With the two teams expected to win in fierce battle, attention is focusing on which team will win the second round.