KBL: Nicholson jumper saves Belangel, Daegu


At a glance

  • Andrew Nicholson hit a buzzer-beater to save SJ Belangel and Daegu over the determined Suwon, 76-74, in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) Thursday, Jan. 16.


Andrew Nicholson hit a buzzer-beater to save SJ Belangel and Daegu over the determined Suwon, 76-74, in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) Thursday, Jan. 16.

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(KBL)

The former NBA journeyman poured in 34 points – including the game-winning jumper with 8.4 seconds remaining – on top of 14 rebounds while Belangel backed him up with 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists to snap the Pegasus’ two-game slide.

JD Cagulangan notched his career-high scoring of 15 points along with four rebounds, six assists, and three steals for the Sonicboom while Heo Hoon, Ismael Romero, and Ha Yun-Gi chipped in 16, 14, and 13 points, respectively.

The two-time UAAP champion from UP remained winless in the Korean pro league since joining the club last weekend.

Daegu hiked its record to 17-13 at fourth place while Cagulangan’s impressive outing couldn’t save Suwon from suffering its fourth consecutive loss to fall at fifth spot with a 15-14 slate.

It was a nip-and-tuck affair heading into the final frame despite Daegu ballooned its lead to 13, 51-38 in the third frame thanks to Cagulangan and Romero leading Suwon’s charge to cut the deficit to one, 56-55.

With Daegu threatening to break the game wide open after hiking its lead to 51-38 in the third quarter, Cagulangan and Romero answered the call and led Suwon's charge to cut the deficit to one, 56-55.

But it was the final stand that the Sonicboom could muster as the Pegasus held on up to the last horn with Nicholson draining a jumper to save the day for Belangel and Daegu.

Next for the Pegasus is a week-long respite before facing the Kevin Quiambao-less Goyong Sono Skygunners (10-20) Saturday, Jan. 25.

Meantime, Cagulangan and the Sonicboom battle the Seoul Samsung Thunders (11-18) Wednesday, Jan. 22.