Carl Tamayo rediscovered his shooting touch as the Changwon LG Sakers secured their third consecutive win, defeating Justin Gutang and the Seoul Samsung Thunders, 84-79, in the 2024-25 KBL Season on Wednesday at the Changwon Gymnasium.
After being limited to eight points on 4-of-15 shooting in their victory over JD Cagulangan’s Suwon KT Sonicboom last Monday, Tamayo bounced back in style, delivering 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting.
He also contributed seven rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, providing a significant boost to the Sakers.
The University of the Philippines product’s strong performance helped Changwon LG improve to a 17-13 record, placing them in solo third in the 10-team league standings.
Facing a seven-point deficit at the start of the fourth quarter, 53-60, Tamayo and the Sakers mounted an impressive comeback. They outscored Seoul Samsung 31-19 in the final period, ending the Thunders’ four-game winning streak.
Justin Gutang was solid for the Thunders, finishing with 14 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, one assist, and one steal. However, his efforts were not enough as Seoul Samsung fell to 11-18, staying in eighth place – one game behind the seventh-placed Busan KCC Egis (12-17).
Meanwhile, Goyang Sono is still playing without Kevin Quiambao due to a right ankle sprain sustained in his KBL debut. The team snapped a four-game skid with a gritty win over Migs Oczon and the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus.
Holding a comfortable 82-77 lead with just over 1:30 remaining, Goyang Sono had to withstand a late rally from Ulsan.
Oczon scored a layup, and Shawn Long followed up with a dunk, cutting the Phoebus’ deficit to one, 82-81, with 18.9 seconds left. However, Dong-Seop Lim sank two clutch free throws to extend Sono’s lead to 84-81.
In the game’s decisive moment, Oczon had an open look from beyond the arc to potentially force overtime but instead made an errant pass to Long, resulting in a turnover that sealed the victory for Goyang Sono.
Oczon led the Phoebus with 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting, along with three rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. Despite his efforts, Ulsan dropped to a 20-9 record, holding onto second place.
Goyang Sono improved to 10-20 but remained in ninth place in the standings.
