By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Filipino Asian import Rhenz Abando continued his stellar Korean Basketball League (KBL) outing after displaying a perfect shooting from the field during Anyang KGC’s 98-74 win over the Jeonju Egis last March 20, 2023.
The former NCAA Most Valuable Player (MVP) sank all of his four attempts and finished with 11 big points to help Anyang boost its bid for another playoff contention.
Abando immediately waxed hot when he drained his first two shots during Anyang’s fiery closing-quarter run in the opening frame.
The athletic small forward wrapped up his efficient performance with a baseline shot and a twirling layup that helped Anyang maintain their double-digit lead in the second half.
Aside from his scoring ability, Abando’s length and quick recovery anchored Anyang’s tremendous defensive night after holding Jeonju to under 20 points in the first three quarters.
Despite a 26-point explosion by Egis in the fourth quarter, Anyang’s firepower proved to be too much and managed to answer every bucket to prevent any comeback attempt.
Former NBA big man Omari Spellman led the way for Abando’s Anyang with 20 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
The win broke Anyang’s three-game slump and improved their KBL record to a league-leading 36 wins and 15 losses.
Abando and the rest of the Anyang squad are still fresh from winning the 2023 East Asia Super League (EASL) Champions week title.
Anyang nipped their fellow KBL squad Seoul SK, 90-84, during the grand finals duel of the EASL tourney.
With their victory, Anyang KGC took home a total of $250,000 (13,775,375 pesos) and ended their convincing campaign with an undefeated record.
