February 19, 2017
The 6th round wrapped earlier this week and the 7th and final round is underway. Woori Bank and Samsung have already punched their tickets for the postseason while the other four teams are in a heated race to clinch the final spot. For winning the regular season, Woori Bank automatically advances to the finals while the other two teams will play a best of three semi-final series.
On Wednesday Woori Bank visited Samsung in Yongin. Samsung was back to having only one foreigner available as Alyssa Thomas had to play all 40 minutes of the game. Down by 16 at the half, many thought the game was over. However, Samsung rallied back in the third and eventually tied the game up in the fourth quarter! Despite the best efforts of Thomas who finished with a double double, Woori Bank, who saw both foreigner players foul out the game, prevailed and won 85-72.
On Thursday an important game between KB Stars and KEB Hana went to KB 63-70 as they continue to rise in the standings after sitting at the bottom for most of the season.
Woori Bank were on the road again on Friday but this time they were up against Shinhan Bank who are in desperate need of a win. Shinhan had to play with only one foreigner as they just brought in a replacement for Alexis Vaioletama who left the team for personal reasons. Shinhan is one of two teams that have beaten the defending champions this season and were hoping to take them down again on their home floor. Shinhan played a close game throughout and were tied with Woori to start the fourth quarter. Woori turned up the heat and outscored Shinhan 26 to 6 to finish the game winning by 20 58-78.
Another heavy load for Alyssa Thomas and Samsung as Thomas had to play another 40 minute game. Samsung took a three point lead into the half and slowly pulled away in the second. Winning 87-73 assuring whichever team they face in the semi-finals that they will be tough to beat.
Sunday’s game was a thriller between KB Stars and KEB Hana. A close game throughout, it came down to the last minute to decide its winner. The road team Hana Bank had the lead down the stretch but KB hit two big threes to pull within one point in the last minute of the game. A turnover on their next possession led to an easy layup by KB which gave them a one point lead and eventually the game 60-59. KB’s rookie sensation Park Ji-Soo was just one rebound shy of a triple double. She finished the game with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists! With this win KB sits in third place in the standings.
Woori Bank vs. Samsung 85-72 WOO Currie 13 pts 8 rebs Jones 6 pts 10 rebs SAM Thomas 28 pts 16 rebs 5 ast
KEB Hana vs. KB Stars 63-70 KEB Achonwa 16pts 11 rebs Thornton 10 pts 5 rebs KB Pierson 16 pts 4 rebs Braxton 11 pts 5 rebs
Shinhan Bank vs. Woori 58-78 Bank SHI Williams 19 pts 12 rebs WOO Currie 24 pts 5 rebs Jones 13 pts 15 rebs
Winnus KDB vs. Samsung 73-87 KDB Christmas 18 pts 8 rebs Hawkins 4 pts 3 rebs SAM Thomas 29 pts 12 rebs
KB Stars vs. KEB Hana 60-59 KB Pierson 6 pts 8 rebs Braxton 9 pts 6 rebs KEB Thornton 19 pts 10 rebs 4 ast Achonwa 4 pts 5 rebs
Standings;
- Woori Bank 28-2
- Samsung 17-14
- KB Stars 13-18
- Winnus KDB 12-19
- Shinhan Bank 11-19
- KEB Hana 11-20