Kyung Hee University (KHU) and Hanyang University (HYU) basketball teams held their opening match at the Seonseung Building on March 21 at 16:00. Throughout the tense, contested game, HYU won by a single point, 57-58. Although KHU lost, various entertaining elements in addition to the nail-biting game kept the crowd thoroughly delighted.

Jump ball, beginning of the match

A Series of Comebacks: Breathless Match Until the End

KHU and HYU were neck and neck. The lead flipped over and over until the final whistle. In the first quarter, KHU dominated the atmosphere. Bae Hyeon-sik, wearing jersey number five, scored the opening point shortly after the game had just begun. Riding that momentum, KHU ended the first quarter with a narrow lead, 12 to 11.

However, the tide was completely different in the second quarter. As KHU missed attack opportunities several times, they handed over the momentum to HYU. The opponent did not miss the chance and scored 18 points in that quarter. On the other hand, KHU only scored 11 points, ending the quarter with a score of 23 to 29.

Competitive battle between KHU and HYU

KHU seemed to regain its momentum in the third quarter, showcasing an aggressive scoring capacity. Although they missed a point early in the quarter—handing over the lead to HYU with the game’s largest score gap at 23 to 31—they quickly counterattacked, racking up 23 points, the highest amount scored in a single quarter. In contrast, HYU managed only 15 points, allowing KHU to reclaim the lead with a score of 46 to 44.

KHU is defending HYU's attack

The victor of the close match was determined just 11 seconds before the end. As both teams significantly increased their pace in the final quarter, the lead kept shifting by one to two points, making it nearly impossible to predict the winner. However, with only 11 seconds remaining, HYU scored two crucial points, taking the lead at 57 to 58. Although KHU still had a chance to turn the game back, they were unable to score, eventually ending the match with a disappointing one-point loss.

Despite KHU's loss, the consistently intense pace kept both players and spectators focused until the very end.

The last attack opportunity for KHU

The Game Was Not the Only Source of Excitement

Beyond the game, various events were prepared to add more fun for the audience. During the break after the first and third quarters, the game host conducted a drawing lot event. Every audience member received a ticket with a certain number, and those whose numbers were called by the host received a gift.

Entering ticket of the match

The cheering performance was also one of the charms of the game. The KHU Global Campus cheering team, KHURS-LA, energized the audience with cheerleading dances and chants throughout the match. Moreover, they performed their own original cheering performance during the half-time break, keeping the audience entertained and engaged.

KHURS-LA is conducting the cheering performance

Enthusiastic Audience and KBF’s Commitment Raise Expectations for Future Matches

Despite the unfortunate outcome of the game, the audience appeared to be captivated by the close competition. Noh Yu-kyung and Ko Da-eun, students from the Dept. of Coaching, stated, “KHU players seemed overstrained, as it was the first match of the season.” They added, “Watching the match on-site brings a heightened sense of tension. We hope more students come to the stadium to cheer for the players.”

Lee Min-jeong, a student from Suwon Science College, shared her thoughts about revisiting. “This is my first time watching a basketball match. I just came along with my friend, but I really like the atmosphere. It is very fun and lively.”

In line with the audience’s positive reactions, future matches are expected to generate even more excitement through the efforts of the management group, Kyunghee Basketball Front (KBF). Lee Ji-soo, the president of the KBF, said, “We have been diligently working since the pre-season, focusing on four key areas: promotional materials, banners introducing players and coaches, player record analysis, and securing sponsorships.”

She is also hopeful that more audience will show up at the upcoming matches to encourage the players: “Today’s match attracted approximately 470 attendees, but we anticipate exceeding 500 guests at the home game.” She added, “As the team and KBF have been committed to providing quality match experiences, I hope more spectators will come in person to encourage the KHU players.”

The basketball rim at the Seonseung Building

One stumble on a long journey does not mean it is over. Despite the result of the match not fully living up to the admirable efforts of the KHU team, the final result of the basketball league is not determined until the current season ends in November. The upcoming match is an away game against Myongji University on March 28 at 4 p.m., followed by a home game against Konkuk University on April 9 at 4 p.m. at the Seonseung Building. Details are accessible via the KBF Instagram and the Korea University Sports Federation website.