Seo Ji-woo (200 cm, C) expressed her confidence after leading Chung-Ang University to victory.
Jungang University freshman Seo Ji-woo recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds against Yonsei University in the 2024 KUSF College Basketball U-League at Yonsei University’s Sinchon Campus Gymnasium on Thursday. He was joined by Lim Dong-un (22 points, five rebounds) as Chung-Ang University 파워볼게임 pulled out a 76-70 victory.
“We had a lot of tough games throughout the regular season this year,” said Seo. Today (Nov. 4) was my last game, and I played with the mindset of winning because it was the last game for (Kang) Hyun-soo, (Kwon) Min-i, and (Lim) Dong-ian. I’m so happy to win and it feels good,” he said after the victory.
Chung-Ang lost the rebounding battle 29-42 on the night. Nevertheless, Seo Ji-woo stood out. He consistently collected rebounds and points in the paint for Yonsei, which was full of tall players.
“Originally, we prepared for man-to-man defense, and we practiced a lot of rotations for when (Kang) Jihoon and (Kim) Bae played. But as we played the game, the zone defense seemed to work well. We were able to play well under the basket because we boxed out thoroughly,” he explained.
Chungnam stayed close with Yonsei throughout the game. Seo Ji-woo hit a three-pointer in the final minute of the game to give Chung-Ang a 74-70 lead. After the game-winning shot, Seo celebrated loudly and was confident of victory.
“My brothers told me to stay focused until the end. We had a lot of time and I scored with about 10 seconds left on offense. It felt good because I think it went according to plan. When I scored, I knew it was definitely an advantage.” Seo said.
With the victory in the final game, Chung-Ang University finished the regular season in fifth place (9 points). Their playoff opponent will be fourth-ranked Dongguk University. The team has many tall players, including Lee Dae-gyun, Kim Myung-jin, and Woo Sung-hee, so Seo’s role is crucial.
“Dongguk University is as tall as Yonsei, with (Lee) Dae-gyun, (Kim) Myung-jin, and (Woo) Sung-hee. Their big men run well and can shoot the ball. We played them twice in the regular season, and I think we have a chance if we play like we did today.”