Ulsan Mobis clinches sixth KBL pennant

By Nam Hyun-woo

Ulsan Mobis Phoebus secured Sunday its sixth Korean Basketball League (KBL) regular season win.

Wonju Dongbu Promy lost 69-75 to the Seoul SK Knights and the two sides — both ranked second with each recording 35 wins and 17 losses — helped the Phoebus to widen the gap by two games. If the two sides win their remaining two games and the Phoebus loses both, the three teams will have 37 wins and 17 losses, but the Phoebus will finish first since they secured four wins and two losses against the Promy in previous matches this season, while the latter is ahead of the Knights on scoring difference.

It took five years for the Phoebus to claim the pennant. The team topped the 1997, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons. Among those victories, five came after coach Yoo Jae-hak took the post in 2004.

“I had anticipated a tough season, but our men played much better than I expected and a good result naturally followed,” said Yoo. “Especially Yang Dong-geun must have been exhausted (during the season) but he has endured well to support the entire team. (Ricardo) Ratliffe also advanced compared to last season and his presence under the basket have helped the team a lot.”

As the Phoebus confirmed the win, they will now automatically advance to the play-off semifinals, along with the runner-ups. Teams from No. 3 to No. 6 position will play in the preliminary rounds.

“Many good teams have advanced to the play-offs, so it won’t be easy to win,” Yoo said. But as we have grabbed a good opportunity and more time to rest before the play-offs, we will do our best for the championship.”

Sunday’s game added another twist in determining who takes the remaining spots in the play-offs for the top six. As of Sunday evening, Incheon ET-Land Elephants confirmed sixth place. The Goyang Orions is ranked fourth, with 31 wins and 22 losses, while Changwon LG Sakers is following with 30 wins and 22 losses, with one game less played.

Since the runner-ups will also automatically advance to the play-off semifinals, the race for No. 2 place will likely be contested until the regular season ends this week.