Changwon LG is on the verge of its first championship title.
Changwon LG Sakers defeated the Seoul SK Knights 80-63 in the third game of the 2024-2025 season KCC Professional Basketball Championship held at Changwon Gymnasium on the 9th.
Having won both the first and second games on the road, LG clinched the third game at home, bringing its series record to 3-0. Now, with just one more win needed, the team is set to claim its first championship in franchise history.
Asem Marey dominated the paint with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Tamayo (18 points, 6 rebounds) and Yang Jun-seok (14 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists) also played crucial roles in the team's victory.
No team that has taken a 3-0 lead in the championship finals has ever lost. To date, every team that has swept the first three games has finished the series in the fourth game. LG is ready to prove the statistics.
In the early stages of the game, SK seized the momentum. Utilizing their characteristic fast breaks, they quickly pulled ahead to 2-11. However, LG calmly called a timeout to disrupt the flow. After the timeout, LG successfully adjusted their defense and regained balance, turning the momentum back with scores from Asem Marey and Yang Jun-seok.
Leading 22-20 at the end of the first quarter, LG completely took control in the second quarter. Yang Jun-seok erupted for 10 points in the second quarter alone, breaking down SK's defense. Just before the quarter ended, he made a deep three-pointer near the half-court line, shaking the atmosphere of the gym. With an additional outside shot from Kal Tamayo, LG finished the first half ahead 47-35, extending their lead to 12 points.
The momentum did not wane into the third quarter. Marey completely took control in the paint against Jamil Warney, creating several second chance points after securing offensive rebounds. Jeong In-deok, Heo Il-young, and Yoo Gi-sang each hit outside shots in succession, allowing LG to extend their lead once again. LG finished the third quarter leading 68-51, effectively deciding the outcome.
In the early part of the fourth quarter, Marey scored a putback, breaking SK's will to counter, and with just over 3 minutes left, Yoo Gi-sang's backdoor cut score extended the lead to 75-57, confirming their victory. Ultimately, LG brought in its starters and comfortably secured its third win in the series.
LG had previously appeared in the championship finals twice but always lost at the threshold of victory. However, the third challenge presents an entirely different scenario.
Since its establishment, LG has never experienced victory. Under head coach Jo Sang-hyeon, the team has secured second place in the regular league for three consecutive seasons, establishing itself as a strong team, but has stopped in the semifinals for the past two seasons. This season, the opportunity to finally reach the top has come.
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