Rhenz Abando proved his worth.
The Anyang KGC drew level with the Seoul SK Knights in their best-of-seven championship showdown for the Korean Basketball League’s ultimate prize. Anyang, which topped the elimination round, beat the Knights, 81-67, on Thursday at the Anyang Indoor Stadium thanks in part to its high-flying Filipino import, Rhenz Abando.
Abando, who rarely saw action in Anyang’s semifinal conquest of the Goyang Carrot Jumpers, played the best postseason game of his young professional career, putting up an impressive stat line of 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists—far better than the 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist he recorded in Anyang’s Game 1 loss.
The 25-year-old guard was a firebrand early in his second consecutive start, going off for 7 first quarter markers to help Anyang build an early lead. He was also all over the floor, getting deflections, causing turnovers, contesting shots, and keeping 50/50 balls in favor of Anyang.
The NCAA Season 98 MVP sustained his fine, fiery play in the second quarter, when he submitted arguably the play of the game: a monstrous two-handed jam off a sweet dish from one of Anyang’s American reinforcements, Darryl Monroe.
Following Abando’s lead were Oh Sekeun, who scored 21 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, and Omari Spellman, who registered a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds. Byun Junhyung added 13 markers as well in Anyang’s spirited bounce back win.
This best-of-seven finale will resume on Saturday, with the Jamsil Student Gymnasium in Seoul set to host Games 3 and 4.