KBL Rookie of the Year RJ Abarrientos, Ulsan Hyundai move on cusp of semis berth
RJ Abarrientos and the Ulsan Hyundai inched closer to a semifinals berth after hacking out an 86-71 win over the Goyang Carrot Jumpers in their best-of-three quarterfinals in the Korean Basketball League on April 2.
The KBL Rookie of the Year dropped decent numbers after finishing with nine points, five assists and three rebounds as the Mobis Phoebus drew first blood in the series.
Seo Myeong-jin paved the way for Ulsan with 18 points, five assists and four rebounds, while Ham Ji-hoon posted 16 points to go along with seven rebounds.
With the win, Ulsan could set up a semifinals meeting with Rhenz Abando’s Anyang KGC, which earned a first round bye into the semifinals after finishing as the top seed throughout the regular season.
Despite trailing 17-15 in the opening quarter, Ulsan managed to get back on its feet in the next and doubled up on Goyang to greet the halftime with a 43-31 lead.
From then on, the Mobis Phoebus set the tone the rest of the way.
Lee Jung-hyun paced the Carrot Jumpers with 21 points, while Dedric Dawson added a double-double outing of 20 markers and 13 rebounds.
Just like Abando’s Anyang, Justin Gutang and the Changwon LG Sakers advanced to the semifinals following a second seed finish in the eliminations.
In the other quarterfinals affair, Seoul SK Knights defeated the Jeonju KGC Egis, 89-73, to arrange a potential semifinals duel with Changwon.
Filipino import Abarrientos and Ulsan eye to secure the semifinals spot as it takes on Goyang at press time.