In the 'Twin Derby,' coach Jo Sang-hyun smiled first.

Changwon LG won 67-64 against Ulsan Hyundai Mobis in the 1st round of the 2024-25 KCC Professional Basketball semifinals held at Changwon Gymnasium on the 24th. LG occupied a favorable position in the best-of-five series.

The matchup between coaches Jo Sang-hyun and Jo Dong-hyun in the Twin Derby drew attention. It was the first playoff encounter for the two coaches who are both active after retirement. Ultimately, coach Jo Sang-hyun took the lead at home.

LG started with Yang Jun-seok, Yoo Gi-sang, Jeong In-deok, Carl Tamayo, and Asem Marey. Hyundai Mobis faced off with Park Mu-bin, Seo Myeong-jin, Lee Woo-seok, Jang Jae-seok, and Gage Prim.

Hyundai Mobis had the advantage in player depth. Prim, who entered the game first, confidently attacked in front of Marey, scoring 6 points. Marey committed a foul while blocking a fast break by Lee Woo-seok. To manage fouls, Marey was substituted early. Hyundai Mobis took the lead at 12-5.

LG's weakness was Daryl Monroe. As soon as he came in, he fouled trying to stop Prim. Prim actively contributed while allowing a score by Ham Ji-hoon. Hyundai Mobis stretched the lead to 18-9. Ultimately, LG had no choice but to reintroduce Marey. LG struggled with a 3-point shooting percentage of 1/9 in the first quarter. Hyundai Mobis dominated the first quarter 22-11.

Coach Jo Dong-hyun substituted in Sean Long, pulling out Prim, who scored 12 points in the first quarter. Long had poor condition and allowed a score to Marey after a turnover. Ham Ji-hoon also quickly accumulated 3 fouls. LG, revitalized by Marey, finished the first half trailing 29-34.

Midway through the third quarter, Prim lost his composure and committed an offensive foul. Prim, with 3 fouls, was taken out. Yoo Gi-sang's 3-point shot sparked LG to achieve their first lead at 37-34.

Jang Jae-seok and Ham Ji-hoon got into foul trouble. Lee Dae-heon came in and scored 5 points to relieve the game. A jump shot by Park Mu-bin enabled Hyundai Mobis to regain the lead at 49-48 as they entered the fourth quarter.

Marey came through at a crucial moment. With just over 4 minutes remaining, Marey's consecutive 4 points put LG ahead 58-53.

Lee Woo-seok hit a 3-pointer to take a breather. Yang Jun-seok responded with his own 3-pointer. Hyundai Mobis saw Prim miss two critical free throws. LG stretched the lead to 7 points, 2 minutes and 24 seconds before the end with Marey's inside shot.

Prim successfully made 2 free throws with just 1 minute and 10 seconds left. Hyundai Mobis closed in to 61-63. Marey dunked. With Hyundai Mobis trailing by 4 points, Kim Guk-chan's 3-pointer hit in the final 20.2 seconds. A 2-point game again. Yoo Gi-sang made 1 successful free throw.

Desperately needing a tying 3-pointer, Hyundai Mobis saw Prim's last shot go awry.

Marey delivered a strong performance with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Jeong In-deok contained Lee Woo-seok to 13 points while contributing a crucial 8 points.

Hyundai Mobis crumbled under 18 turnovers. Prim performed admirably with 20 points.

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