The Suwon KT Sonicboom Arena was buzzing with anticipation on March 6, 2026, as Suwon KT faced off against their longtime nemesis, Seoul SK, in a high-stakes 2025-2026 KCC professional basketball regular season matchup. Fans had every reason to be on the edge of their seats—this wasn't just another league game. KT, mired in a nine-game losing streak against SK that stretched back nearly 500 days, was desperate to snap the curse and keep their playoff hopes alive. On the other side, SK was fighting to reclaim the second spot in the standings and close the gap on league leaders Changwon LG.
In a dramatic turn of events, Suwon KT finally broke the cycle, defeating Seoul SK 81-70 in front of a jubilant home crowd. The quarter scores—26-20, 18-18, 21-23, and 16-9—tell a story of resilience and determination, with KT pulling away decisively in the final period. This victory not only ended KT's lengthy skid against SK but also brought them to a .500 win-loss record at 22-22. It marked the first time this season KT had logged a victory against every team in the league, an achievement that injected fresh energy into their campaign for a playoff berth.
For head coach Moon Kyung-eun, this win was particularly sweet. Having moved from SK, where he was the longest-serving head coach in the team’s history and had led them to both a championship and a runner-up finish, Moon had suffered a humiliating 40-point defeat (64-104) to his former club earlier in the season. That loss, the first meeting between the two teams under his stewardship, was a bitter pill. But on this night, redemption was the order of business. According to NewsPim, "KT snapped their 9-game losing streak against SK since October 25, 2024, and reached a .500 win rate, securing wins against all 10 teams this season."
There was no shortage of standout performances for KT. Derrick Williams stole the show, draining 7 of 9 attempts from beyond the arc and racking up a game-high 27 points along with 5 rebounds. His hot hand was simply too much for the SK defense to handle. Lee Doo-won, fresh off national team duty in the FIBA World Cup Asia qualifiers, chipped in with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, providing a steadying presence on both ends of the floor. Moon Jung-hyun, returning after missing six games due to an ankle injury, made an immediate impact with 12 points and 7 boards.
"Our foreign player just needs a bit more stability, and if Kang Sung-wook and Kim Sun-hyung settle in as our two guards, our rotation problems will be solved," coach Moon had stated before the game, per local press. His faith in his squad paid off. Kim Sun-hyung, who had been battling a finger injury, contributed 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, shaking off any rust with a burst of speed that seemed to catch even his coach by surprise.
SK, meanwhile, found themselves in unfamiliar territory. After entering the game tied for second place with Anyang Jeonggwanjang at 27-16, SK slipped to third with a 27-17 record. Their offense sputtered in the closing minutes, managing just 9 points in the fourth quarter. Jamil Warney, SK’s star center who had averaged 26.3 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in four previous outings against KT this season, was held to 19 points and 10 rebounds. He struggled from long range, hitting only one of seven three-point attempts.
Turnovers and missed opportunities haunted SK all night. The team committed 15 turnovers, nearly double KT’s 8, and lagged behind in three-point scoring, putting up just 27 points from beyond the arc compared to KT’s 42. SK’s point guard Kim Nak-hyun was ruled out with a wrist injury, forcing adjustments in their backcourt rotation. An Young-jun, another key player recently back from national team duty, had an off night, converting only 2 of 8 field goals for 5 points.
SK’s head coach Jeon Hee-chul acknowledged the challenge before tipoff, noting, "KT uses Kang Sung-wook and Kim Sun-hyung as their main guards, and we have struggled against teams with strong two-guard lineups. We spent the last two days focusing on defense, and we’ll try different defensive strategies on those two." Despite their efforts, KT’s guards found their rhythm, and the home team’s relentless energy proved too much for SK to overcome.
For KT, this triumph was about more than just the numbers. It was a statement win, especially given the adversity they’d faced all season. With key players like Ha Yoon-gi and Joel Cagulangan out for the year and a string of injuries forcing constant lineup shuffles, the team’s resilience has been tested time and again. The return of Han Hee-won, Park Jun-young, and Moon Jung-hyun from injury for this crucial clash gave the squad a much-needed boost.
The victory also provided KT with a bit of breathing room in the playoff race. With this win, they held on to sixth place, now one game ahead of seventh-place Goyang Sono. The playoff picture remains tight, but the momentum from this breakthrough could not have come at a better time. As reported by Newspim, "KT is currently 6th in the league, holding a 1-game lead over 7th place Goyang Sono."
Adding to the excitement, KT announced that their upcoming home game against SK on March 14 will feature "Frontiers Day," an event planned by university student marketers who have experienced the ins and outs of content creation and fan engagement throughout the season. Themed as the "Sonic High School Basketball Team," the event aims to bring together fans of all generations, with photo zones, a draft combine, and a lucky draw for prizes like home game tickets and limited-edition goods designed by the players themselves. It’s clear the club is working hard both on and off the court to build a vibrant community around the team.
As the dust settled on an electrifying night at Suwon KT Sonicboom Arena, one thing was certain: KT’s players, coaches, and fans had been waiting a long time for this. With the losing streak against SK finally broken and the playoff race heating up, the rest of the season promises even more drama. And with "Frontiers Day" just around the corner, there’s plenty for KT supporters to look forward to—both in the stands and on the hardwood.