The Busan KCC Egis moved within striking distance of a historic finals berth after grinding out a dramatic 83-79 victory over the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang (JKJ) Red Boosters in a tense Game 3 showdown of the Korean Basketball League (KBL) semifinals.
Inside a roaring Busan Sajik Indoor Gymnasium, KCC delivered a gutsy, hard-fought performance, seizing a 2-1 series lead and putting themselves just one win away from another championship appearance.
If they prevail again on Game 4, KCC will face the surging 5th seed Goyang Sono Skygunners and top Asian import and Rookie of the Year Kevin Quiambao, who stunned the league by sweeping top-seeded Changwon LG Sakers in dominant fashion.
The high-stakes duel between KCC and Anyang JKJ was packed with intensity, physicality, and clutch moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
Towering import Sean Long was nothing short of dominant where he delivered a monstrous performance, leading the team with 29 points and 15 rebounds that anchored KCC’s relentless charge. His presence in the paint proved overwhelming, as he lorded it over the boards and delivered crucial baskets even despite enormous pressure.
Local standout Choi Jun-yong complemented Long with a fierce and fearless outing, tallying 21 points and 11 rebounds in a powerful double-double display. His energy and hustle ignited the home crowd, while Song Gyo-chang chipped in with a steady 11 points and eight rebounds, providing vital support on both ends of the floor.
But Anyang refused to go quietly. Electrifying Asian import Rhenz Abando showcased his explosive scoring touch with 17 points, while the crafty Byun Jun-hyeong added 16. Veteran reinforcement Johnny O’Bryant poured in 15 markers, and rising talent Moon Yu-hyun contributed 13, keeping the Red Boosters within striking distance throughout the pulsating contest.
Busan KCC Egis last won a KBL diadem—their sixth—during the KBL 2023–24 season, where they almost swept runners-up Suwon KT Sonicboom, 4–1, in the best-of-seven series, and made history by becoming the first fifth-seeded team in KBL history to win a championship.
Game 4 will be played again at the Busan Sajik Indoor Gymnasium on April 30, where KCC will look to deliver the knockout blow, while Anyang battles to keep its championship hopes alive. If necessary, a winner-take-all Game 5 is set for May 2, promising even more heart-stopping action in this fiercely contested semifinal series.