Dramatic Draw: How Sangmu Phoenix Snapped Their 7-Game Losing Streak Against SK Hawks

[Sports Today Reporter Shin Seo-young] Sangmu Phoenix snapped a seven-game skid by salvaging a 27-27 draw with the SK Hawks.

Sangmu and SK played to a 27-27 tie on the 5th at 8:00 p.m. at the Samcheok City Civic Gymnasium in Gangwon Province in the Shinhan SOL Bank 25-26 Handball H League men's match.

The SK Hawks moved to 15 wins, 2 draws and 6 losses (32 points), while Sangmu Phoenix fell to 2 wins, 4 draws and 17 losses (8 points). With several Sangmu players approaching military discharge, the team showed urgency and never gave up, producing a dramatic result.

Both teams started the first half in a 5-1 defensive setup, but Sangmu grabbed the early momentum. SK rotated its lineup, bringing in players who have seen limited minutes, and those changes led to mistakes.

Sangmu pushed the lead to 9-5 on Jin Yuseong’s pivot play and Kim Ji-woon's heavy shots. SK found some life from Heo Jun-seok on the wing.

A string of offensive fouls and turnovers by Sangmu opened the door for SK’s Lee Joo-seung, Park Ji-won and Heo Jun-seok to score in succession, trimming the lead to 12-10.

SK’s defense began to function more cohesively, making it tough for Sangmu to get clean looks. SK pulled within a goal, but goalkeeper Kim Tae-yang’s saves helped Sangmu retake control and build a 15-11 advantage. The first half ended with Sangmu leading 15-13.

SK opened the second half with quick goals to knot the score at 15-15, but turnovers soon allowed Sangmu to reestablish a two-goal cushion.

Goalkeeper Lee Chang-woo then produced a string of saves to bring the game back to 18-18. SK reinserted its starters in the midsecond half; after Heo Jun-seok put them ahead, they kept scoring to extend the lead to 22-19.

Cha Hye-seong’s drives and fast breaks pulled Sangmu within 22-21 and shifted the momentum. The pattern—SK pulling away and Sangmu chasing—repeated, but Lee Chang-woo’s stops repeatedly denied Sangmu the chance to get over the one-goal hurdle.

In the final moments, an SK shot clanged off the post, giving Sangmu one last opportunity. Jin Yuseong fought through contact and converted the equalizer to finish the game 27-27.

[Sports Today Reporter Shin Seo-young sports@stoo.com]
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