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The Seoul Samsung defeated the Suwon KT to snap a 22-game losing streak for the longest road losing streak in professional basketball history.

Samsung won 99-94 on the road against KT in the third round of the 2023 Korean Basketball League (KBL) on Wednesday at KT Sonic Boom Arena in Suwon, led by Kofi Coburn (36 points, 20 rebounds) and newcomer Hong Kyung-kyung (13 points), who was acquired from Seoul SK in a trade on Dec. 8.

Samsung had lost 22 straight away from home from December 22 last year until their last game against Wonju DB on the 8th, making them the longest losing streak in KBL history. Moreover, their recent six-game losing streak has sank their spirits. Even with the win, they remained in last place with a 4-16 record, but with a strong under-the-basket battle and revitalized outside shooting, they saw hope of rebounding in the mid-league standings by snapping their tiresome losing streak.

With the score tied at 44-48 at halftime, Samsung showed their determination to end the losing streak and came out hot in the second half. Samsung closed the gap in the third quarter as Coburn continued to score under the basket and opposing ace Heo Hoon left the game injured after a collision with Lee Won-seok. A three-pointer by Hong Kyung-ki and back-to-back baskets by Yoon Sung-won put them back in front for the first time, 69-68, with 40 seconds left in the period. Despite conceding the next point, they managed to tie the game at 71-71.

With the will to win, Samsung started the fourth quarter with back-to-back baskets from Lee Dong-yeop and Coburn. Hong Kyung-ki's three and Coburn's two followed to push the lead to double digits, 81-71, with just over six minutes left in the game.

KT would not be denied. Paris Bass drained a three-pointer to cut the deficit to two points, 90-92, with 1:41 left in the game. Samsung then faced its biggest challenge when Coburn failed to score under the basket, giving KT the offense. However, after drawing a team foul on their opponent, they made the free throws to end the threat. With a precarious 94-90 lead with about a minute left 안전놀이터 to play, KT Bass' two-point attempt from the top of the key rimmed out. This gave them the offense back and put the finishing touches on the game.

Samsung head coach Eun Hee-seok said after the game, "We tried to keep the team's mood from sinking, but I'm happy that we turned it around. I'm also happy that we broke the record for the longest losing streak in history." Regarding the performance of Hong Kyung-ki, who made three 3-pointers, he said, "It was the trade I chose. In SK, I couldn't show my skills because of the thick roster, but I came to our team and scratched my itch," he said.

Leaders DB defeated Seoul SK 91-82 to extend their winning streak to four games, while Busan KCC defeated Daegu KOGAS 93-88 in double overtime.