Hard to Save the Day! Park Ji-Su & Park Ji-Hyeon Combined for Points, with Park Ji-Su Scoring and Rebounding, Yet Unable to Stop Korea’s Losing Streak

On August 21, in the qualification round of the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup, the Korean women’s basketball team ultimately lost to the Czech Republic 63-76, suffering their second consecutive defeat.

In this game, Korea started off with a good touch, taking an 8-2 lead, but the Czech Republic quickly adjusted and equalized the score. At the end of the first quarter, the Czech Republic continuously scored to surpass Korea by 7 points. In the second quarter, both teams had low shooting percentages, but Korea was unable to narrow the gap. In the last two quarters, the Czech Republic gradually improved their form, with all players contributing to extend the lead into double digits and maintained the victory until the end, leaving Korea to suffer a second consecutive loss helplessly.

On the Korean side, Qin An scored consecutively at the final moments to finish with 10 points and 3 rebounds. Prior to this, Korea had the awkward situation of only having two players scoring in double figures for a long time. Park Ji-Su played 26 minutes as a starter, making 7 out of 16 shots (1 out of 4 from three-point range), leading the team with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 5 turnovers, and 4 fouls. Park Ji-Hyeon also started, playing 127 minutes, shooting 3 out of 8 (0 out of 4 from three-point range), making all 4 free throws, scoring 10 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, and 5 fouls.

Compared to the previous game, Park Ji-Hyeon’s shooting touch declined; in the previous game, she led the team with 19 points and 6 rebounds, while Park Ji-Su contributed 14 points and 6 rebounds. The Korean women’s basketball team has had three players score in double figures in two consecutive games, yet unfortunately suffered consecutive losses.