By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Justin Gutang and the Changwon LG Sakers overcame a slow start to beat Seoul Samsung Thunders, 79-68, in the 2022-2023 Korean Basketball League (KBL) at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium on Thursday night, January 5.

Gutang, a former standout of the College of St. Benilde Blazers, was hardly a factor offensively as he finished with just six points but also added three rebounds, three assists and two steals for the Sakers.

The Sakers started flat and were down 11-18 after the opening quarter before turning things around in the second quarter by outscoring the Thunders, 26-10, and never looked back.

Jaedo Lee led the way for the Sakers with 19 points, including two triples, to go with seven rebounds and seven assists, while Kwanhee Lee and Junil Kim contributed 17 and 12 markers, respectively.

Assem Marei fell short of double-double with eight points and 12 rebounds, while former NBA player Dante Cunningham struggled with three points and three rebounds as the Sakers stayed in second place with a 16-11 record.

Wonseok Lee tallied 16 points to go with eight rebounds, while Junghyun Lee added 11 markers for the Thunders, 10-19, which were still awaiting the arrival of Filipino center Justine Baltazar.

Meanwhile, Rhon Jay Abarrientos and the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus’ fourth quarter turnaround fell short as they suffered a close 80-77 defeat to Goyang Carrot Jumpers at the Goyang Gymnasium.

Down 64-53 after three quarters, Abarrientos anchored Mobis Phoebus’ fourth quarter rally to cut the deficit to 66-68, but timely conversions from the Jumpers allowed them to escape with a win.

Abarrientos finished the game with 10 points, mostly in the fourth quarter. Jaesuk Jang and Younghyun Kim added 15 markers apiece as the Mobis Phoebus dropped to a 16-12 slate.

Seonghyun Jeon led the way with 22 points, Junghyun Lee chipped in 18 markers, while Didric Lawson and Jonghyun Lee had 15 and 11, respectively, as the Jumpers moved up to 14-15./ASC, WDJ