Ansan KGC evened its Korean Basketball League semifinal series with Busan KCC at one win apiece, defeating the visiting team 91-83 in Game 2 on Saturday at Ansan Gyeonggi Arena.
The victory came after KGC dropped Game 1 by a 91-75 margin on Thursday, setting up a decisive Game 3 scheduled for Monday in Busan. The best-of-five series now rests at 1-1, with the winner advancing to the championship round.
KGC jumped out to an early lead in the second quarter, outscoring KCC 30-18 in the period to take a 45-35 halftime advantage. The turnaround marked a stark contrast from Game 1, where KGC trailed by two points after the first quarter and never recovered.
Joni O’Brienante led all scorers with 22 points and 11 rebounds, even as Junhyung Byun added 12 points, five rebounds and five assists. Seunghui Han contributed 13 points off the bench for KGC.
On the KCC side, Heo Woong and Heo Hoon combined for late fourth-quarter points to cut the deficit to single digits, but KGC held on to secure the win. Heo Woong hit a three-pointer and Heo Hoon made free throws in the final minutes to keep KCC within striking distance.
KGC’s defense intensified in Game 2, particularly in the second quarter, where they forced multiple turnovers that led to fast-break points. Guard Jihoon Park played a key role in the defensive effort, finishing with nine points and six assists while guarding KCC’s backcourt duo of Heo Woong and Heo Hoon.
“Our energy level wasn’t where it needed to be in Game 1,” Park said after the game. “We focused on making life tricky for Heo Woong and Heo Hoon on defense, and it paid off.”
Head coach Dohun Yoo praised the team’s resilience, noting the importance of protecting home court after the opening loss. “Our fans showed up in full force today,” Yoo said. “We needed to respond with more fight, and we did.”
Yoo also highlighted the availability of veteran forward Kim Yeong-hyeon, who played despite a shoulder injury. “Kim is playing through pain because he refuses to back down in the playoffs,” Yoo said. “His competitiveness raises the level of everyone around him.”
The win improved KGC’s chances of reaching the finals, though history suggests an uphill climb. Teams that lose Game 1 of a best-of-five playoff series but win Game 2 have gone on to reach the championship round just 11 times in 23 attempts, a 47.8% success rate.
KCC, which entered the series as the higher seed after finishing sixth in the regular season, had won its first two playoff series by sweeping the opening two games. The team had relied on early momentum to build confidence, but now faces a true test in Game 3 on the road.
With the series shifting to Busan for Game 3, both teams know the stakes are elevated. A KCC win would put them one victory away from the finals, while a KGC win would shift the series back to Ansan with momentum on their side.
The winner of the series will meet the victor of the other semifinal matchup for the KBL championship. Game 3 is scheduled for Monday afternoon at Sajik Arena in Busan, with tip-off set for 3:00 p.m. Local time.
Fans can follow live updates through the KBL’s official website and broadcast partners. Postgame analysis and highlights will be available shortly after the final buzzer.
