KBL: Justin Gutang, Changwon drop semifinals opener

FILE–Changwon LG Sakers’ Justin Gutang in the Korean Basketball League. –CHANGWON PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Justin Gutang and the Changwon LG Sakers fell to the Seoul SK Knights, 73-68, in their semifinal series opener in the 2022-23 Korean Basketball League season on Friday at Changwon Stadium.

Gutang only played 13 minutes and finished with two points, three rebounds, and three assists as Changwon lost Game 1 of its best-of-five series against Seoul.

Jameel Warney led the second-half surge of the SK Knights, exploding for 28 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, and dishing out five assists on top of three steals and a block to draw the first blood.

Choi Bu-kyung was also instrumental for Seoul with 16 points and 10 rebounds, as Kim Seon-hyung added 13 markers and dished out six assists.

The SK Knights were coming off a quarterfinals series sweep of KCC Egis last week.

Gutang and the Sakers, who were fresh from a long break after finishing second in the regular season for an outright semis berth, try to equalize the series in Game 2 on Sunday.

Reggie Perry powered Changwon with 17 points and five rebounds. Dante Cunningham chipped in 12 points, five assists, four rebounds, and three steals, while Kim Jun-il added 11 markers and seven boards.

Meanwhile, Rhenz Abando and the Anyang KGC eye a 2-0 series lead against the Goyang Carrot Jumpers in Game 2 on Saturday.