MANILA – Justin Gutang showed his offensive and defensive prowess as Seoul Samsung Thunders defeated Busan KCC Egis, 86-72, in the 2024-25 Korean Basketball League on Monday night at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium.
The former College of St. Benilde Blazers guard finished with 14 points, seven assists, four rebounds, and three steals in 32 minutes of action as the Thunders improved to an 8-17 win-loss slate.
Gutang said in a post-game interview that he is delighted to be able to contribute offensively and defensively for the Thunders as they finally secured their first victory in 2025.
“I am happy because it’s our first win of the new year,” Gutang said. “There are still some players who are sick, so I think we’ll have better teamwork when they all come back.”
“I think we’re finding our team color, too, so it’s good,” he added. “(Thunder) coach (Kim Hyo-beom) focuses on the defensive part. I think if we start with defense well, the rest will follow.”
Choi Hyun-min top-scored for the Thunders with 16 points, including five three-point conversions, while Choi Seong-mo and Lee Jung-hyun added 14 and 11 markers, respectively.
Deonte Burton and Lee Ho-hyun led the way for the Egis with 18 points apiece, while Lee Seung-hyun added 10 points, nine rebounds, and six assists as they dropped to a 10-18 mark.
Filipino-American guard Calvin Epistola failed to make his mark for the defending champions Egis as they ended with two points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals./PN
