Big Man Jin also suffered a series of injuries, so Lee Kyu-tae’s performance was impressive
Lee Gyu-tae (199cm, F/C) struggled among the weakened big man layer.
Yonsei University defeated Sangmyung University 68-49 in the 2023 KUSF College Basketball U-League regular league Namdaebu game held at Yonsei University Sinchon Campus Gymnasium on the 5th. With 10 wins and 1 loss, the possibility of a come-from-behind championship in the regular league was left. 1 game away from first place Korea University (11 wins).
Yonsei University is also suffering from injuries in the 2023 season. Freshman guard duo Lee Joo-young (189cm, G) and Lee Chae-hyung (187cm, G) left due to a stress fracture on the foot, and Kim Bo-bae (203cm, F/C), one of the key big men, is suffering from groin pain.안전놀이터
In addition, the captain Yugi-sang (189cm, G) injured his ankle in an irregular match against Korea University on May 25th. Due to this, Yonsei University lost four of the best five envisioned before the 2023 season.
The only one left is Gyu-tae Lee (199cm, F/C). It’s not 100% because of an ankle injury suffered in Lee Sang-baekbae, but I have to keep my balance on the court. Both the ‘big man’ and the ‘leading scorer’ must be fulfilled.
Yonsei University coach Yun Ho-jin also said before the game, “(Lee) Kyu-tae is not 100% yet. I have a strong desire to preserve Gyu-tae as much as possible. However, even (Kim) Bo-bae and (Kang) Ji-hoon couldn’t participate in the Sangmyung Daejeon.”
Lee Kyu-tae, included in the starting lineup, showed his ability to score from the start. He also showed height. He went to the bench after giving 100% of his strength during his playing time.
Kim Gun-woo (199cm, C) and Hong Sang-min (200cm, F/C) took the place of Lee Kyu-tae. It didn’t show as much power as Lee Kyu-tae, but he blocked Sangmyung University’s attack with high defense and rebounds. Thanks to this, Lee Gyu-tae was able to rest comfortably. Yonsei University ended the first quarter with a score of 18-9.
Lee Kyu-tae returned to the court 1 minute and 26 seconds after the start of the second quarter. Partnered with Hong Sang-min. Because Hong Sang-min fought under the rim, Lee Kyu-tae was able to disrupt the opponent’s defense near the 3-point line. The burden of fighting under the goal was also relieved.
When Sangmyung University created a pursuit flow, Lee Gyu-tae stepped forward. 3-point success from the right wing. After Lee Gyu-tae scored 3 points, Yonsei University’s outskirts attack also revived. Yonsei University, which scored three points, rose to 30-21 4 minutes and 30 seconds before the end of the second quarter.
Lee Kyu-tae did not simply aim for 3 points. Enter the rim with the first step from outside the 3-point line. Scored easily near the rim. Lee Kyu-tae’s various scoring areas made the difference between Yonsei University and Sangmyung University, and Yonsei University finished the first half with a score of 41-27.
Kyu-Tae Lee’s performance dropped slightly at the beginning of the 3rd quarter. He missed easy scoring opportunities and lacked the ability to cope in cooperative defense. As Lee Gyu-tae failed to show great power, the gap between Yonsei University and Sangmyung University narrowed again by a single-digit score. They were chased 45-36.
Good news came to Lee Gyu-tae. Choi Jun-hwan (195cm, F/C), the tallest player at Sangmyung University, left due to injury. Lee Kyu-tae got a break, and Yonsei University was able to manage the big man leisurely.
Choi Jun-hwan did not come back even in the 4th quarter. Lee Kyu-tae’s break time got longer. In the meantime, his teammates widened the score gap, and Lee Kyu-tae played the final quarter more leisurely. He also handled his opponent’s cooperative defense cleverly.
Lee Kyu-tae, who became more calm, showed off his talents. Jumper between right elbow and right corner. Lee Gyu-tae’s jumper dealt a fatal blow (62-44) to Sangmyung University, and Yonsei University confirmed the victory.
Lee Gyu-tae was also able to spend the last 2 minutes and 28 seconds on the bench. Sangmyung finished the match with 17 points, 10 rebounds (attack 4), 2 assists and 2 steals in 26 minutes and 25 seconds. Despite the serial injury of Big Man Jin, he showed a stable performance. So, Lee Gyu-tae’s performance against Sangmyung was impressive.