SK 최부경: 18점의 아쉬움, 승리 확률 33.3%의 함정

Busan, South Korea – The Busan KCC Igis secured a hard-fought 81-79 victory over the Seoul SK Knights on Tuesday, April 1st, at the Sajik Indoor Gymnasium in Busan. The win, a crucial result in the 2025-2026 LG Electronics Professional Basketball League, moves KCC closer to a playoff berth, while SK searches for consistency as the regular season winds down. The game was a back-and-forth affair, highlighted by a stellar performance from SK’s Choi Bubyeong, who despite his impressive showing, narrowly missed out on a statistical anomaly that correlates strongly with team success.

SK started the game with a blazing 10-0 run, but KCC quickly responded, fueled by their three-point shooting. The first half saw several lead changes, with KCC taking a 44-35 advantage into the locker room. SK battled back in the third quarter, closing the gap with a 11-point run, but KCC maintained a narrow lead heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter was a nail-biter, with both teams trading baskets. With the score tied at 77-77, a late drive by KCC’s Choi Junyong and subsequent free throws from Heo Hoon sealed the victory for the home team. The final score of 81-79 reflected the intense competition throughout the contest.

While the team victory belonged to KCC, the performance of Choi Bubyeong for SK was particularly noteworthy. The SK guard finished the game with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists, shooting 7-of-9 from the field, including two three-pointers. It was a performance that SK head coach Jeon Hee-cheol acknowledged as a key factor in keeping the game competitive. “He was hitting shots and making plays. It felt like he was having a career night, and he really kept us in the game down the stretch,” Jeon said after the game.

Interestingly, Choi Bubyeong’s scoring output almost reached a critical threshold. Records show that Choi Bubyeong has played in five games where he scored 19 or more points, and SK won all five of those contests, boasting a 100% win rate. However, in the six games where he scored exactly 18 points, SK has only won twice, resulting in a 33.3% win rate. Tuesday’s game, where he finished with 18 points, continued that trend, as SK fell short against KCC. He had a chance to surpass that 18-point mark late in the game, receiving a pass from Jamil Warney with a clear path to the basket, but the shot did not fall.

KCC’s victory improves their record to 27 wins and 25 losses, bolstering their playoff hopes. The team was led by Choi Junyong, who scored 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, and Heo Woong, who added 14 points. KCC head coach Lee Sang-min praised his team’s resilience and their ability to execute their game plan. “We knew SK would come out strong, but we stayed composed and focused on our strengths. We defended well and made the plays when it mattered most,” Lee stated.

The game too highlighted KCC’s effective defensive strategy, particularly their focus on containing SK’s key players, Jamil Warney, Ahn Young-jun, and Kim Nak-hyun. Lee noted that KCC focused on limiting those three players, allowing other SK players opportunities to score. “We wanted to make it difficult for their main scorers, and we felt that if we could do that, we would have a good chance of winning,” Lee explained. He also acknowledged that SK exploited a weakness in their defensive coverage, specifically the 4-position, with Choi Bubyeong capitalizing on those opportunities.

The win marks KCC’s second consecutive victory, providing a significant boost to their playoff aspirations. They will look to continue their momentum in their next game, while SK will aim to bounce back from this defeat and regain their footing in the competitive league standings. The result underscores the importance of every possession and the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in professional basketball.

SK will look to regroup and refocus as they prepare for their next challenge. The team will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and find more consistent offensive production to secure a playoff spot. KCC, will aim to build on this momentum and continue their push towards a successful postseason run.

The next confirmed game for the Busan KCC Igis is scheduled for April 8th against the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus. This game will be another crucial test for KCC as they strive to solidify their position in the league standings. Fans can follow updates and results on the official KBL website.