By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Rhenz Abando and the Anyang KGC Ginseng Corporation remained on top in the 2022-2023 Korean Basketball League (KBL) after an 86-70 win over Wonju DB Promy at the Wonju Sports Complex on Monday night, January 2.

Abando, a former University of Santo Tomas and Colegio de San Juan de Letran standout, was hardly a factor anew for Anyang KGC as he finished with just four points, two assists, one rebound, and a block.

But the Pangasinan-native’s subpar showing was hardly a factor, with local players Byun Junhyung and Oh Se-geun stepping up with 20 and 16, respectively, as Anyang KGC remained on top of the standings with a 20-8 slate.

American import Omari Spellman, a former center of the Golden State Warriors in the NBA, struggled with his shots as he ended up with 11 markers, but managed to contribute 10 rebounds for Anyang.

Filipino-American guards Ethan Alvano and Hyunko Kim led the way with 15 markers apiece, while Jongkyu Kim chipped in 14 markers as the Promy dropped to an 11-17 win-loss slate.

Meanwhile, Rhon Jay Abarrientos came up with a clutch conversion as Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus pulled off a 77-73 escape over Justin Gutang and Changwon LG Sakers at the Changwon Gymnasium.

The former Far Eastern University Tamaraws guard showed his nerves of steel as he delivered two key free throws in the final 30 seconds of the contest to seal the victory for Mobis Phoebus.

Abarrientos finished with six points, four rebounds and three assists in 19 minutes of action as the Mobis Phoebus remained in second place in the standings with a 16-11 win-loss slate.

Seo Myeongjin led the way for the Mobis Phoebus with 18 points, Gaige Prim chipped in double-double 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Jang Jaesok also ended up with 16 markers.

Assem Marei got double-double 17 points and 15 rebounds, Lee Gwanhee and Kim Junil added 14 and 13 points, respectively, while Gutang managed seven assists and two points for the Sakers (15-11)./ASC, WDJ