November 20, 2016
Undefeated Woori faced their greatest test last night as they took on KDB on the road. KDB were well prepared for the defending champs as they changed their lineup to start the game. Instead of the usual start of Christmas, KDB went with Hawkins to match the size of Woori Bank’s Jonquel Jones. However, size didn’t matter because when Christmas entered the game she made an immediate impact; scoring a quick 9 points in 10 minutes of play in the first half. Taking a narrow lead into the half, KDB had Woori Bank on their heels for the rest of the game. Staying within striking distance, Woori held onto a 2 point lead in the last minute of the game. Luckily for Woori they were in the bonus and were able to win the game at the free throw line. Woori Bank improves to 7-0 on the season.
KDB vs. Woori Bank 67-70 WOO Currie (14 min) 9 pts 5 rebs Jones (25 min) 16 pts 9 rebs 2 blks KDB Christmas (26 min) 10 pts 10 rebs 2 blks Hawkins (13 min) 4 pts 5 rebs
November 19, 2016
Second placed Samsung faced KB Stars at home tonight. With the same 3-3 record both teams were eager to create some separation from the other. A close game throughout, neither team was able to pull away until the very end. Samsung used a balance attack to help them get a very important victory. Howard proves to be a huge asset to the team as she once again made some big shots towards the end of the game was their leading rebounder and scorer. Howard was the only American to suit up for Samsung as Alyssa Thomas had to sit out due to an injury. KB have now lost back to back games but remain in third place in the standings.
Samsung vs. KB Stars 63-59 SAM Thomas (DNP Injury) Howard (38 min) 22 pts 19 rebs 3 blks KB Pierson (29 min) 13 pts 13 rebs 4 asts 3 blks Graves (10 min) 6 pts 8 rebs
November 18, 2016
KEB Hana Bank were the only team to have failed to win a game so far this season. That label ended last night as they took care of business at home and defeated Shinhan Bank 78-61. Shinhan looked out of sync as Hana took control of the game early on. Hana took a 16 point lead in the half and never looked back. Led by Kayla Thornton who had a huge double double with 24 points and 12 rebounds, Hana will look to carry this momentum into their next game. Meanwhile, Shinhan Bank is searching for answers. They finished the game without either of their American players on the court; a sign that they are dissatisfied with their performance. Perhaps they will look to replace one of their foreign players in the near future if they are unable to change the course of their season.
KEB Hana vs. Shinhan 78-61 KEB Thornton (24 min) 24 pts 12 rebs 2 stls 3 blks Achonwa (14 min) 14 pts 3 rebs SHI Bulgak (31 min) 20 pts 6 rebs Vaioletama (2 min)
November 17, 2016
In their last meeting KDB and Samsung went into overtime in Yongin. On a wild play at the end of regulation, Samsung hit a three point shot to send the game into overtime where they eventually came out with the win. Tonight, they met for the first time in the second round, but this time in Guri, the home of KDB. In what turned out to be another exciting game KDB snuck away with a one point win. KDB is much improved this season after winning less than 10 games last year. After having the lead by more than ten points in the second half Samsung fought their way back into the game. Led by Natasha Howard, who hit some big shots for Samsung, they were able to string together several stops to give them a chance to steal the game. However, a controversial foul call with the game tied at 62 sent KDB to the line where their point guard made one of two free throws. Samsung had one last chance to win the game but failed to make their final shot.
KDB vs. Samsung 62-63 SAM Thomas (20 min) 4 pts 7 rebs 3 asts Howard (20 min) 18 pts 7 rebs KDB Christmas (32 min) 7 pts 9 rebs 2 blks Hawkins (7 min) 2 pts
November 16, 2016
Woori Bank improves to 6-0.
The second round of the Korean League began with undefeated Woori Bank taking on KB Stars at home. Woori got off to a great start as they dominated the first quarter led by Jonquel Jones. KB managed to put together a better effort in the second to keep the game close at the half. The third quarter is was what made the difference as Woori pulled out of reach of their opponents. Woori’s full court press forced KB into 18 turnovers for the game. Jones was back to her usual self as KB didn’t have an answer for the 6’6″ center. Woori Bank continues their dominance in the Korean League as they move to 6-0 on the season.
KB Stars vs. Woori Bank 48-67 KB Pierson (21 min) 11 pts 4 rebs 2 asts 6 stls Graves (18 min) 11 pts 9 rebs WOO Currie (15 min) 6 pts 3 rebs 2 blks Jones (24 min) 20 pts 9 rebs 2 stls 5 blks
Standings;
- Woori Bank 7-0
- Samsung 4-3
- KB Stars 3-4
- Winnus KDB 3-4
- Shinhan 2-4
- KEB Hana 1-5