By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Samjosef Belangel and the Daegu Korea Gas Corporation Pegasus suffered an 87-81 defeat to the Busan KCC Egis in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) at the Daegu Gymnasium on Tuesday night, January 28.

The former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles standout finished with 21 points, including two three-pointers, to go with four assists, two rebounds and two steals, as the Pegasus dropped to an 18-14 mark.

“The defense we promised after the start didn’t work out. We allowed the offense to go easy. The opponent’s condition is good,” Pegasus head coach Kang Hyuk said after the game.

“There are many injured players. We had concerns about physical strength, but we pushed through until the end,” he said.

“We didn’t win. That’s a shame,” he added.

Filipino-American Calvin Epistola stepped up for the Egis in the endgame as he knocked down consecutive baskets that turned a slim 80-79 lead to an 87-81 victory.

He ended up with nine points, three steals and one assist.

“Epistola played a big role. I want to praise him,” Egis head coach Jeon Chang-jin said.

“I think the secret to making a successful three-point shot is desperation. We are in a situation where we are losing stamina,” he said.

Chang-jin said Epistola saved them from a win.

“He was so strong. He scored unexpectedly and made a steal in a difficult crisis,” he said.

“It’s really amazing to win three games in four days with the current members. He is really mentally well-armed,” he added./ASC, WDJ