Heo Il-young (40, LG) targeted his former team SK.

Changwon LG defeated Seoul SK 76-71 in the second game of the 2024-25 KCC Professional Basketball Championship held at Jamshil Student Gymnasium on the 7th. With two consecutive victories on enemy territory, LG can achieve their first championship title by winning just two more games.

After suffering two consecutive losses at home, SK now faces immense pressure in the 3rd and 4th games in Changwon.

SK fielded a small lineup with Kim Sun-hyung, Kim Tae-hoon, Choi Won-hyuk, Ahn Young-jun, and Jamil Warney. Kim Tae-hoon's high activity aimed to lessen the defensive burden on Kim Sun-hyung, while Ahn Young-jun was tasked with guarding Kal Tamayo.

Before the game, head coach Jeon Hee-cheol emphasized, "We will draw Tamayo out to the perimeter and block Marey’s scoring. SK basketball needs to show up. We must increase fast breaks and reduce turnovers."

LG fielded Yang Jun-seok, Yoo Gi-sang, Jung In-deok, Kal Tamayo, and Asem Marey normally. Head coach Jo Sang-hyun stated, "I expected Ahn Young-jun to guard Tamayo. We need to keep Warney under 30 points. I’m pondering whether to send help defense."

Ahn Young-jun played only 3 minutes and 42 seconds in the first quarter before picking up 3 fouls. Oh Se-geun was brought in early. With three-point shots from Yang Jun-seok and Tamayo, LG took an early lead of 13-7. Warney was held scoreless for over 8 minutes. The game unfolded as LG intended.

SK made only one of the 10 three-point attempts in the early stages, with Kim Tae-hoon's making the sole successful shot. In contrast, LG hit 4 of 8 three-point shots in the first quarter. LG led the first quarter 19-15.

Gomez Del Riano came off the bench and changed the momentum. Gomez scored 7 points with fast breaks and a three-point shot. Warney scored his first field goal midway through the second quarter, tying the game at 22-22.

Kim Sun-hyung came alive in the second quarter with 6 points from fast breaks. The two players, including Gomez, combined for 13 points in the second quarter. SK ended the first half leading 34-33.

SK's long fast break finally broke through. Kim Sun-hyung stole the ball and made back-to-back fast breaks. Ahn Young-jun also scored his first points at last in the third quarter. SK surged ahead 40-36 midway through the third quarter.

LG caught a breath with scoring from Marey and Tamayo. Veteran Heo Il-young's consecutive three-pointers also hit. LG flipped the score to 53-45 and entered the fourth quarter. LG did not easily allow a reversal. From the paint, Tamayo, and from the perimeter, Jung In-deok continued to score. With 4 minutes left, the lead extended to 62-54, an 8-point gap.

Gomez's three-point shot extinguished the urgent flames. However, Warney's foul put the team in a foul situation. Marey and Warney exchanged dunks. With 2 minutes remaining, the game was a 4-point contest. Gomez's three-pointer sparked a rally as SK cut the deficit to 66-67. Jung In-deok responded with a two-pointer.

With 1 minute and 10 seconds left, Tamayo sank two free throws. With 28 seconds remaining, Yoo Gi-sang hit a three-pointer to assure victory. Ahn Young-jun matched with a three-pointer 18.8 seconds before the end. Yoo Gi-sang nailed clutch free throws to seal the game.

After scoring 24 points in the first game, Tamayo shone again with 27 points in the second. Marey finished with 12 points but grabbed 14 rebounds. Heo Il-young targeted his former team with 12 points, including 2 three-pointers. Yoo Gi-sang added 14 points with four three-pointers and clutch free throws.

SK had a surprising performance from Gomez with 19 points, but key player Warney (17 points, 12 rebounds) and Kim Sun-hyung (10 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, 0/6 from three-point range) struggled significantly. SK’s three-point shooting faltered at 7/34 for 21%, which was a major factor in the loss.

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