In the 'Lee Gwan-hee derby', Wonju DB triumphed.

DB defeated Seoul Samsung 85-76 in the '2024-25 KCC Professional Basketball Round 6' held at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium on the 30th. The 7th place DB (22 wins, 29 losses) chased 6th place Jeonggwanjang (23 wins, 27 losses) by 1.5 games, keeping alive their hopes for the top six. Samsung is last with 15 wins and 35 losses.

DB needed to win all remaining four games (Samsung, Sono, KCC, Jeonggwanjang) to qualify for the top six. Although facing lower-ranked teams, they could not afford to let their guard down.

A variable arose. Omari Spellman (thigh) and Kang Sang-jae (foot) were absent from the game against Samsung due to injuries. Samsung also faced a situation where Kofi Coburn could not participate due to a thumb injury. With Chinenye Onuaku available, DB held the advantageous position.

DB overwhelmed the first quarter 31-18, making the game easy. An unexpected situation arose with four minutes left in the second quarter. Lee Won-seok, who was shooting under the basket, had his arm grabbed by Lee Gwan-hee. Both players fell together. As Lee Won-seok got up and approached Lee Gwan-hee, Park In-woong pushed Lee Won-seok with his arm. Justin Gutang, watching from behind, pushed Park In-woong. Excited players from both teams left the benches to join the scuffle.

According to FIBA rules, players cannot leave the bench during the game, and if they do, technical fouls can be called, and they may even be ejected.

In the end, Lee Gwan-hee, Park In-woong, and Gutang received unsportsmanlike fouls, while Kim Si-rae and Choi Seong-mo received double technical fouls. Jeong Hyo-geun and coach Kim Joo-sung also received technical fouls. Park In-woong was ejected after receiving his fifth foul. DB narrowly led the first half 46-44. Glen Robinson III exploded for 22 points in the first half alone.

Samsung's native big men, including Lee Won-seok and Cha Min-seok, managed to contain Onuaku, but there were limitations. In the fourth quarter, Lee Gwan-hee hit consecutive three-pointers to pull away 81-58, sealing the victory.

Lee Gwan-hee contributed with 20 points, including four three-pointers, and 7 rebounds, doing his part. Lee Sun Albano led the team with 25 points and 6 assists. Onuaku recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Samsung’s Robinson scored 29 points, but Lee Jung-hyun, who scored 16 points, was too late in making his impact. Lee Won-seok recorded 16 points.

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