KB Stars suffer their first loss in the Park Shinjah Cup.

The Cheongju KB Stars lost 64-74 to heavy favorites Toyota Antelopes in the first game of the 2024 Woori Bank Park Shinjha Cup at the Asan Sunshin Gymnasium on Wednesday.

The result was not surprising. The game was already tilted in Toyota’s favor before the game. KB Stars were missing Kang Yiul and Kim Min-jung, as well as limited minutes for Yoon Ah Yeom and Heo Ye-eun, while Toyota fielded a near-strength lineup, 사설 토토사이트 albeit without one of their key players, Mai Yamamoto (25, 165 cm, point guard).

From the start, Toyota struck first. It seemed to be going as expected. KB Stars showed determination. They took a 16-14 lead after one quarter. In the second quarter, Toyota again played their best lineup and widened the gap. The gap continued to widen. Toyota continued to take a 10+ point lead. KB Stars tried their best. Despite being at an absolute disadvantage in height and skill, the players’ determination and will, combined with various defenses, kept them in the game, and they narrowed the deficit to 7 points late in the fourth quarter, sparking hopes of an upset.

Yoon Ah Yum battled back from injury to finish with 10 points and four rebounds, while Moe Nakata added 10 points, two rebounds, and three assists. Surprise performances made the loss feel less painful. Third-year player Lee Hye-ju scored a whopping 23 points to help avoid a blowout loss.

Lee’s performance gave KB Stars a glimmer of hope, but it also revealed another challenge.

Newcomers Moe Nakada and Moera Shida were utilized as Asian quarters. Nakada played around 28 minutes, while Shida played just over five minutes. Shida finished with three points. That’s enough to make a meaningful impact. Nakada has been playing the inside role at the 3 since the scrimmage. Sida was the opposite.

This day was no different. Nakada was mainly inside, acting as a control tower and digging under the basket. Sida seemed to play the role of secondary reading and bringing up the energy level on defense.

The KB Stars have a big hole on the inside and on the squad with the departure of Park Ji-soo. The roles of both players could be crucial.

“I’m planning to use Nakada as the No. 4,” said Kim Wan-soo. I’m not 100% satisfied with today’s game. I’m asking for more aggressive attacks rather than passing. His passing, control and stability are good. But he needs to adjust his style. He’ll get better. Cida played a short time. I’m looking forward to it. I’m thinking of using her as a No. 1 or No. 2.”

Kim continued, “It’s hard to tell from one match. (Yeom) Yoon-ah joined us two days ago, and (Heo) Ye-eun joined us yesterday. We have to organize again after today’s game. The concept this season is strong defense and fast offense. I think we showed a little bit. It’s positive. We need to keep adjusting. With (Kang) Yi Seul-yi and (Kim) Min-jung joining us, we will be more organized.”