By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Filipino import Carl Tamayo stayed hot and led the Changwon LG Sakers to a bounce-back win in the ongoing Korean Basketball League (KBL) season on January 11, 2025, at the Anyang Gymnasium.
After erupting for a career-high 37-point production in their loss against the Seoul Samsung Thunders several days ago, the young stalwart followed it up with 31 markers, this time leading his team to a win over the Anyang Red Boosters, 86-82.
Tamayo sustained his fine form against the Red Boosters and shot an efficient 14/23 from the field, including 2/3 from three-point range.
Changwon’s coaching staff stood by their game plan, and that was: “ If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
The LG Sakers then rode at the waxing hot hands of Tamayo, feeding him at the post while taking advantage of his three-point prowess in the pick-and-pop plays.
Like his performance against the Thunders, Tamayo bullied his way into the shaded lane and operated early in the first half. From his isolation post-ups to his perimeter jumpers, the former UP Fighting Maroon star was automatic, steering Changwon to an early lead.
Despite a massive rally from Seoul in the second half, Changwon didn’t back down and relied on Tamayo’s offensive versatility.
When Seoul cut their deficit to just a deuce, Tamayo lifted Changwon with a crucial jumper from the right baseline to get them out of their slump in the fourth.
Last January 9, 2025, Tamayo reset his new overseas career high to 37 points off an impressive 17/19 shooting from the field.
Tamayo shot a perfect clip of 15/15 from the two-paint area and single-handedly torched the Samsung Thunders but the opposition’s balanced attack was too much for the Sakers, resulting in a nip-and-tuck loss.
He also stuffed the stat sheets for Changwon LG, tallying an all-around effort of seven rebounds (two offensive) and three assists.
With the feat, Tamayo just broke the record first set by his fellow Filipino SJ Belangel who scored 36 markers for the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus last week.
