KBL: RJ Abarrientos propels Ulsan closer to semifinals

Ulsan guard RJ Abarrientos. Photo from Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus

MANILA, Philippines — RJ Abarrientos delivered 12 points and six assists as the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus dominated the Goyang Carrot Jumpers to regain the series lead with an 84-69, in Game 3 of the 2022-23 Korean Basketball League best-of-five quarterfinals on Thursday at Goyang Gymnasium.

Abarrientos helped Ulsan inch a win closer to facing Filipino import Rhenz Abando and the Anyang KGC, who won the regular season championship, in another best-of-five semifinal series.

American import Gaige Prim took the matters into his own hands as he powered the Phoebus with 31 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, three steals, and two assists to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five quarterfinals series.

Seo Myeong-jin was also instrumental with 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Kim Tae-wan added 10 markers and seven rebounds.

Abarrientos, who was recently named Rookie of the Year, and Ulsan will try to end the series against Goyang on Saturday.

Abando and Anyang earned the outright semifinals berth after topping the regular season with a 37-16 record.

Ulsan took the series opener with an 86-71 win but Goyang evened the series with a much-needed 86-79 victory in Game 2.

The Carrot Jumpers try to force a decider when they fight for their season on Saturday.

Lee Jung-hyun led Goyang with 26 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Dedric Lawson put up 19 points and nine rebounds only to fall to the brink of elimination.

Justin Gutang and the Changwon LG Sakers, who finished the season with a 36-18 record, are waiting for their semifinal opponents between the Seoul SK Knights and Jeonju KCC Egis.

Seoul is a win away from sweeping the series.