Basketball - Sonic Boom Win Home Opener

BUSAN - The KT Sonic Boom won their home opener 74-72 against Anyang KGC at the Sajik Indoor Stadium Sunday afternoon.

KT struggled to get their shot early, only connecting on one of their first seven shots. The back and forth first quarter ended with KT leading 23-19 on the strength of Charles Rhodes getting it done on both ends with 8 points and 3 blocked shots.

The Sonic Boom led by as many as points in the second, and finished the half leading 37-27. Charles Rhodes was a defensive beast in the second quarter as well, blocking six shots and five rebounds by halftime, while Cho Sung-min lead the Sonic Boom with 7 points in the quarter.

After taking an early 12 point lead, Anyang cut the lead to three minutes later on a three pointer by Park Chan-hee, but the Sonic Boom came back with Song Young-Jin hitting one of his own to give the Boom a six point advantage. But Anyang kept fighting back, narrowing the lead to one with five minutes to go, and finally taking the lead on a Oh Sae-guen layup.

KT managed to fight back from a six point defecit and take the lead 51-50 with five seconds left in the third on a lay up and free throw by Park Sang-oh.

Rhodes dunk with 5:15 left put the Sonic Boom up for good in the fourth, but Anyang wouldn't go down without a fight. After cutting the lead to two, Cho Sung-min's huge three pointer with 15.3 seconds left and two free throws with 5.9 seconds left sealed a  74-72 Sonic Boom victory.

Busan was led by Cho Sung-min with 19 points, while Charles Rhodes got his second double-double of the season with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 7 blocks.

After the game, Charles Rhodes spoke about the difference between the first and second games.

"We were all tense. Everyone was a little nervous. We took responsibility for what we did. I'm happy, but we gotta stay focused in."

Oh Sae-geun led Anyang with 22 points.

The Sonic Boom are now 1-1 on the early season.

By Jeff Liebsch - chevhaps@gmail.com

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