Seoul Samsung extended its scorching start to the 2026–2027 KCC Professional Basketball season on October 25, defeating the Daegu Korea Gas Corporation 76–68 at Daegu Gymnasium to claim its eighth victory. Led by head coach Kim Sang-shik, the team has turned around its fortunes dramatically after finishing at the bottom of the standings recently for five seasons.
Daegu Gymnasium Victory Equals Historic Streak
The win on October 25 matches the all-time KBL record for the longest winning streak from an opening night. Previous benchmarks were set by Dongbu during the 2011–2012 season and Orionis during the 2014–2015 campaign, both of which also opened with eight straight wins. Samsung secured sole possession of first place in the league standings with a 8–0 record, while Daegu Korea Gas Corporation dropped to a 3–5 record, putting them in a tie for sixth place.
Kerem Kanter and Ho-bin Han Drive the Offense
Kerem Kanter led the scoring charge for Samsung with 23 points, while teammate Ho-bin Han added 11 points in a hard-fought contest. Playing on the second night of a back-to-back following a victory over Ulsan Mobis, Samsung initially jumped out to a 21–14 lead in the opening quarter. Daegu responded in the second frame, however, outscoring the visitors to take a narrow 39–38 edge into halftime.
Perimeter Shooting and Late Defense Seal the Win
Samsung turned the game around in the third quarter behind a barrage of three-pointers from Kyu-tae Lee, Ho-bin Han, and Chris McCullough, outscoring the hosts to pull ahead 59–48. Although Daegu sliced the deficit to four points at 64–60 in the fourth quarter, Samsung relied on perimeter shooting from Kyu-tae Lee and Geun-hwi Lee alongside defensive stops to pull away. The visitors attempted 31 three-pointers on the night, converting 11 for a 35.5 percent success rate.
Upcoming Matchup Against Goyang Sono
With the victory secured after Kebe Aluma fouled out with 37.5 seconds remaining and Ho-bin Han converted subsequent free throws, Samsung now prepares to chase history. The team will face Goyang Sono on October 30 in pursuit of an outright KBL record with nine consecutive opening-night victories.
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