Andrew Nicholson spoiled the breakout performance of JD Cagulangan, scoring 34 points and sinking a game-winning fadeaway jumper to lift Daegu KOGAS Pegasus to a thrilling 76-74 victory over Suwon KT Sonicboom in the 2024-25 KBL season at the Daegu Gymnasium.
With the game tied at 74-all after a layup by Sonicboom’s Shin Heo Hoon with 1:01 remaining, Nicholson delivered in the clutch, draining a buzzer-beating fadeaway jumper over Rayshaun Hammonds’ outstretched arms to seal the win and help the Pegasus bounce back into the victory column.
Nicholson’s heroics overshadowed a stellar performance from Cagulangan, who impressed in just his third KBL game.
The former University of the Philippines standout tallied 15 points, six assists, four rebounds, and three steals in a losing effort.
(C) Suwon KT
Since Cagulangan’s arrival, the Sonicboom have struggled to find success, suffering their fourth consecutive loss to fall to a 15-14 record, which keeps them in fourth place.
On the other hand, SJ Belangel rediscovered his shooting touch for Daegu KOGAS, contributing 15 points, four assists, and four rebounds.
The Pegasus improved to a 17-13 record, tying Changwon LG for third place in the standings.
Suwon KT had led 34-31 at halftime but faltered in the third quarter, falling victim to an 18-3 run by Daegu KOGAS that gave the Pegasus a 49-37 advantage at the 6:07 mark.
Cagulangan spearheaded a spirited comeback for the Sonicboom in the fourth quarter, showcasing his all-around game with timely three-pointers, key steals, and precise assists.
His efforts helped Suwon KT regain a 59-56 lead with 8:47 remaining in the game, but they ultimately fell short.
In another KBL matchup, Juan Gomez de Liaño’s Seoul SK Knights extended their winning streak to nine games with a 74-65 victory over Ethan Alvano and Wonju DB at the Jamsil Student Gymnasium.
Although Gomez de Liaño did not see action in the game, the win was crucial for the Knights, who now boast a league-leading 24-6 record.
Alvano led Wonju DB in the losing effort, finishing with 14 points, five assists, and three rebounds. However, the loss dropped his team to a 14-16 record, placing them sixth in the 10-team league.
