CARL Tamayo is once again a champion.

The Gilas Pilipinas stud once again played a huge factor as Changwon LG Sakers finally claimed the Korean Basketball League (KBL) crown with a thrilling 62-58 Game Seven victory over Seoul SK Knights on Saturday at Jamsil Student Gymnasium.

Tamayo notched a double-double with his 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals as Changwon averted disaster after squandering a 3-0 series lead in the finals.

PHOTO: LG Sakers

It's the latest of his run of success after winning championships in high school with NU Nazareth School, college with University of the Philippines, and in Japan with Ryukyu Golden Kings.

But it almost wasn't to be if not for the heroics of Kim Jae-hyeon who staved off Seoul's rally after hitting four pressure packed free throws in the clutch.

Kim, who was adjudged as the Finals MVP, finished with 12 points and three steals on the clincher.

Heo Il-young led the way with 14 points and five boards, while Yang Jun-seok added 11 to cover up for Assem Marei's slim five-point night, though he made up for it with 14 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and one block.

It's a tough end to a courageous rally for the Knights which roared back from being down three games to none.

Juan Gomez de Liaño was not deployed in the final game of the season as he watched from the sidelines as his fellow UP alumnus celebrated the triumph.

Jameel Warney powered Seoul with 11 points and 15 rebounds in the runner-up finish.

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