KBL: SJ Belangel leads Daegu past Suwon in crucial QF Game 4 win
Daegu KOGAS Pegasus’ SJ Belangel during a Korean Basketball League (KBL) quarterfinal game. –KBL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines —SJ Belangel saved the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus’ season, leading them to a crucial 79-75 victory over JD Cagulangan’s Suwon KT Sonicboom in Game 4 of the Korean Basketball League (KBL) quarterfinals on Friday.
With the Pegasus’ season on the line, Belangel erupted for 19 points and five rebounds, helping force a do-or-die Game 5 on Easter Sunday at 1 p.m. (Manila time).
Belangel conspired with Andrew Nicholson down the stretch to prevent Suwon from securing the series and advancing to the semifinals.
Nicholson also scored 19 and tallied nine rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Kim Nak-hyeon delivered 18 points, six assists, and four rebounds, while Seung-Min Shin added 11 points.
The Pegasus had won the series opener but faced elimination after losing two straight games.
JD Cagulangan and the Suwon KT Sonicboom. during a Korean Basketball League (KBL) quarterfinal game. –KBL PHOTO
Cagulangan, the KBL Rookie of the Year, struggled again, failing to score for the second consecutive game. He contributed two steals and an assist in 10 minutes of play. Rayshaun Hammonds led Suwon with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Moon Jeong-Hyeon finished with 15 points.
Meanwhile, Carl Tamayo and the Changwon LG Sakers will face Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus in a semifinals series starting Thursday.
Ulsan completed a three-game sweep of Anyang Jung Kwan Jang, 99-92, last Thursday.
Javi Gomez de Liaño had 13 points, six rebounds, and one assist, only for their season to end.
