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[Sports Seoul | Anyang = Reporter Kim Dong-young] Busan KCC looked every bit like a \”super team\” Thursday, taking control on both ends and cruising past Anyang Jeonggwanjang to grab the early edge. Coach Lee Sang-min, 54, was clearly pleased.
KCC posted a 91-75 victory in Game 1 of the 2025–2026 LG Electronics KBL semifinals at Anyang Jeonggwanjang Arena, showing a near-perfect balance between offense and defense.
The win pushed KCC’s probability of reaching the finals to 78.6%, underscoring how important the opener was. The first half was competitive — KCC led, but Jeonggwanjang stayed gritty. KCC, however, pulled away in the second half and dominated on both ends.
Choi Jun-yong led the charge with 21 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Heo Woong added 15 points, two rebounds and four assists. Heo Hoon, playing through illness, chipped in nine points, three rebounds and three assists. Song Gyo-chang had 11 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Shaun Long finished with 27 points and 14 rebounds.
Defense was the difference. Heo Hoon, Heo Woong and Song Gyo-chang locked down Jeonggwanjang’s backcourt — Park Ji-hoon, Byun Joon-hyung and Moon Yu-hyun — holding them to a combined seven points in the first half. Neutralizing those primary threats made the rest of the night much easier for KCC.
After the game, Lee praised the squad: \”I want to compliment everyone. Heo Woong, Heo Hoon and Song Gyo-chang shut down the opposing guards early. We held their backcourt to seven points in the first half. There are a few things I’m not happy with, and we’ll review and correct them.\”
He continued, \”We had about a week to rest, so players could recharge and bring energy in the second half. Jeonggwanjang isn’t going to back down easily. This was their first game in two weeks, and I think their rhythm wasn’t as sharp as ours.\”
Lee also highlighted Long’s defensive work: \”Shaun Long has guarded DB’s Ellenson before, and O’Bryant is a similar player. I’m not saying he was flawless, but he handled his defensive role. He battled inside, and all five starters played with energy. We did give Jeonggwanjang some looks and let them mount a run, but we took control in the third quarter and closed it out.\”
When asked about Heo Hoon’s condition, Lee praised his grit: \”He wasn’t feeling well today — he had a headache even before tip-off. He toughed it out and finished the game.\”
Asked what fuels KCC’s strong playoff performances, Lee pointed to health and depth: \”When I first joined as a coach, I saw Song Gyo-chang and Choi Jun-yong healthy. We talked all season about being a healthy KCC. Players who arrived late after the regular season have stepped up and done their part.\”
He added, \”Heo Hoon plays a different game in the playoffs, and that lifts the whole unit. Choi Jun-yong plays with a real sense of responsibility — they want the title. Jeonggwanjang has plenty of experience, but I don’t think it matches ours. These players know what it takes to win in short series.\” raining99@sportsseoul.com
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