Changwon LG Sakers Hold Off Busan KCC Egis 88-82 in KBL Open Match Day

The Changwon LG Sakers opened the Korean Basketball League Open Match Day with an 88-82 road victory over the Busan KCC Egis on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Busan Sajik Gymnasium. In a game that tipped off at 13:00 local time, Changwon used a decisive third-quarter surge and calm fourth-quarter execution to leave Busan with the win, handing the Egis an early home defeat in the KBL showcase.

The final score reflected the tight margins of the contest: Changwon LG Sakers 88, Busan KCC Egis 82. The Sakers never completely broke away until the closing minutes, but they controlled the most important stretches of the second half and made the plays that decided the game.

Match Overview

Busan started with energy in front of the home crowd, attacking the paint early and getting to the free-throw line. Changwon answered with perimeter shooting and transition baskets, keeping the opening quarter close before taking a 24-21 lead after the first ten minutes. The Egis responded in the second period, leaning on their half-court offense and a strong run late in the quarter to take a 46-44 advantage into halftime.

The third quarter changed the shape of the game. Changwon tightened its defense, forced Busan into contested shots, and pushed the pace whenever the Egis missed. A 12-2 run midway through the period gave the Sakers separation, and they entered the fourth quarter ahead 68-63. Busan made one final push in the last five minutes, cutting the deficit to two possessions, but Changwon answered with timely baskets and free throws to close out the 88-82 win.

Key Moments

• First quarter: Busan attacked the rim early, but Changwon’s outside shooting and transition game helped the Sakers take a 24-21 lead after the opening period.
• Second quarter: The Egis found rhythm behind their half-court execution, outscoring Changwon 25-20 in the period to take a 46-44 halftime lead.
• Third quarter: Changwon’s 12-2 run was the defining stretch of the game. The Sakers held Busan to 17 points in the quarter and turned a narrow deficit into a 68-63 lead.
• Fourth quarter: Busan trimmed the margin to two possessions late, but Changwon responded with clutch baskets and steady free-throw shooting to seal the road win.

Tactical Story

Changwon’s defensive adjustment after halftime was the difference. The Sakers switched more aggressively on screens, crowded the Egis’ interior passing lanes, and forced Busan into long, contested jumpers. On offense, Changwon played through its big men in the high post, using handoffs and backdoor cuts to create clean looks when the game slowed down.

Busan won the rebounding battle for long stretches and generated second-chance points, but turnovers in the third quarter proved costly. The Egis also struggled from beyond the arc in the second half, finishing the game with a lower three-point percentage than Changwon. In a matchup decided by fewer than ten points, those empty possessions and missed open looks were the difference.

Standout Players

For Changwon LG Sakers, Assem Marei delivered a dominant double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds, controlling the paint on both ends. Lee Jae-do added 17 points and 6 assists, repeatedly breaking down Busan’s defense in the pick-and-roll. Lee Kwan-hee contributed 14 points, including several timely three-pointers that quieted the home crowd.

Busan KCC Egis were led by Heo Ung, who scored 21 points and kept the offense organized throughout the second half. Ra Gun-ah finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Lee Seung-hyun added 13 points and 7 rebounds. Despite strong individual performances, the Egis could not string together enough stops in the third quarter.

What It Means for the KBL Open Match Day

The result gives Changwon LG Sakers an important early boost in the Korean Basketball League Open Match Day standings and a valuable road win against a direct rival. For Busan KCC Egis, the loss is a frustrating home result, but the performance showed enough offensive balance to suggest the team can bounce back quickly.

The head-to-head result also adds another chapter to the ongoing