Seoul Samsung beat KT 85-78 to stay top of the KBL after a rare slip

Seoul Samsung, the surprise of the Korean Basketball League (KBL) this season, kept their cool on Monday. They beat Suwon KT 85-78 and dodged their first two-game losing streak.

What happened?

The game was played on 9 November at Jamsil Students' Gymnasium in Seoul. It was tight for most of the night. The first quarter ended 22-22, and KT pulled ahead 38-27 in the second, helped by league-leading scorer Parris Bass. KT led 46-40 at halftime.

Samsung chipped away in the third. Three-pointers from Lee Kwan-hee and Kerem Kanter closed the gap, and Gu Tang's dunk made it 52-52. Gu then hit a three to put Samsung 59-56 up, and they led 64-61 going into the fourth.

KT levelled at 73-73 after a Bass run of five straight points. Samsung answered with a Lee three, plus a Kanter layup and a three, to lead 81-73 and settle it.

Who stood out?

Kanter was named MVP of the first round and received his trophy at halftime. He then scored 11 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and added 14 rebounds. Han Ho-bin had 13 points and 5 assists, Lee Kwan-hee 13, Chris McCullough 11 points and 7 rebounds, and Gu Tang 10 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists.

Bass did his best for KT with 39 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. He didn't get enough help from his teammates.

What's next?

Samsung are 11-2 and two games clear of second-placed Anyang Jung Kwan Jang (9-4). Earlier this month, Samsung lost to Seoul SK on 1 November, ending a nine-game winning streak at the start of the season. They beat Ulsan Hyundai Mobis on 5 November, lost to Wonju DB on 7 November and have now bounced back again.

This is a team that finished last for five straight seasons. KT fell to 6-7 and dropped out of a share of fifth place, which Daegu KOGAS took. KT did win the number one pick in the rookie draft lottery on the same day.