By MARK REY MONTEJO
Carl Tamayo and the Changwon LG Sakers bucked a slow start and beat the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus, 67-64, to draw first blood in their semifinal clash in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) Thursday, April 24.
Down by 14 in the first quarter, the Sakers regained their footing in the second half with Tamayo and Assem Marei shining on both ends before they built a 63-56 lead in the payoff period.
The Phoebus, however, stormed back by trimming the gap to just three and had their opportunity to force an overtime but Gaige Prim terribly missed his game-tying attempt.
Changwon now took a 1-0 semis lead over Ulsan with Game 2 set on Saturday, April 26.
Despite having four personal fouls and five turnovers, Tamayo made the best out of his 27-minute playing time as he registered seven points, six rebounds, and two assists – including a crucial pass that led to a Marei basket midway of the deciding canto.
Marei put up a monstrous effort of 27 points on top of 13 rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
Prim paced Ulsan with 20 points, while Woo Seok Lee added 13.
Meanwhile, JD Cagulangan and Suwon KT Sonicboom try to bounce back against the Seoul SK Knights later Friday, April 25.
