Nagoya: South Korea is set to face Iran in the semifinals of the Asian Games men's basketball tournament, seeking to reclaim the gold medal it last won 12 years ago. The matchup will take place at 4 p.m. Friday at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan.

According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea previously defeated Iran in the final to win the gold on its home turf in Incheon in 2014. However, the team has since faced a string of losses against Iran, including defeats at the 2018 and 2023 Asian Games. Under the guidance of Coach Nikolajs Mazurs, South Korea has been performing strongly, winning all four of its games so far, including a decisive 114-80 victory over Jordan in the quarterfinals. Mazurs, who took over the team last December, has focused on improving both the defense and offense, which is now evident as South Korea has scored over 100 points in three consecutive games.

In contrast, Iran, known for its defensive strength, has averaged 71.3 points per game and held its opponents to 67.5 points per game. Mohammad Jamshidi leads Iran's scoring efforts, averaging 22.7 points per game and showcasing impressive shooting accuracy. Meanwhile, South Korea's Lee Hyun-jung, a Davidson product, has been a standout performer, ranking as the tournament's second-leading scorer.

South Korea also saw the return of key players Yeo Jun-seok and Choi Jun-yong in the quarterfinals, bolstering the team's lineup as they prepare to renew their rivalry with Iran. As South Korea aims to reach the finals, the outcome of this pivotal semifinal match will determine if they can overcome past challenges and secure a spot in the championship game.