*This content was translated by AI.
Seoul SK, which was embroiled in allegations that it turned a blind eye to the game to pick out its opponent, eventually lost both honor and practicality. It was a match that was chosen despite the controversy, but he bowed his head after suffering a devastating defeat in the first playoff game.
SK was completely defeated 76-105 by Goyang Sono in the first round of the 2025-2026 LG Electronics' professional basketball semi-final PO held at Jamsil Student Gymnasium in Seoul on the 12th. SK, which gave up a 29-point victory in the first game of the series at home, was pushed to the brink by handing over 91.1% of its chances of advancing to the semifinals to Sono.
The more painful reason for this defeat is the unfaithful game controversy that erupted only two days ago. SK was suspected of intentionally losing to Anyang Jeonggwanjang to avoid Busan KCCC and meet Sono in the final regular league match on the 8th. At that time, free throws and lethargic last-minute defense that didn't even hit the rim just before the end of the game caused anger from fans, and in the end, Jeon Hee-chul was fined 5 million won by KBL and warned by the club.
At the PO Media Day, which took place a day after the controversy, coach Jeon Hee-chul hinted that he chose the practical benefit, saying, "Players should focus only on the playoffs." The plan was to meet Sono, who was a relatively easy opponent, and go to the presidential election.
However, the result of opening the lid was disastrous. SK was overwhelmed by Sono's firepower from the beginning of the game. He failed to control regular league MVP Lee Jung-hyun (29 points) and Rookie of the Year Kevin Kembao (28 points). In particular, the outer defense collapsed and allowed as many as 21 3-pointers.
On top of that, Jameel Warney was tied to eight points. According to the broadcast, Warney shouted "Come on!" probably because of the lethargic atmosphere during operation time.
In the end, SK brought its main players to the bench midway through the fourth quarter and effectively raised the white flag. Since it was a match created by the criticism that he did not do his best to win, the helpless defeat of the day left a further scar on the club's pride.
What's more painful is that main forward Ahn Young-joon couldn't even play against Sono due to a calf injury. It seems difficult to find a clue to counterattack in the remaining games.
Fans' eyes are still cold. On YouTube and social networking services (SNS), cynical reactions dominate, such as "Is this the result of choosing the other person?" SK's choice, which did not even take practical benefits despite the criticism of the match-fixing scandal, seems to have become the worst handshake.
In short-term games, the first-round defeat is more than just one loss. The practicality that he chose to abandon his honor came back with a terrible result. With the league's credibility already hurt, it seems unclear whether SK, whose performance has collapsed, will be able to set an opportunity for a turnaround in the remaining series.
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*This content was translated by AI.
