CARL Tamayo and the Changwon LG Sakers drew first blood in their Korean Basketball League (KBL) semifinal against Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus, escaping with a 67-64 Game One win on Thursday at Changwon Gymnasium.

Tamayo only had seven points, six rebounds, and two assists, but his split from the line with 37 seconds to play aided Changwon's escape in the face of a late rally from Ulsan.

Assem Marei exploded for 27 points and 13 rebounds in the opener of the best-of-five series.

Migs Oczon did not play for Ulsan in the loss. Gaige Prim did the heavy lifting for the Mobis Phoebus with his 20 points.

In the other bracket, top-seeded Seoul SK Knights took the 65-61 victory over Suwon KT Sonicboom on Wednesday at Jamsil Student Gymnasium.

Juan Gomez de Liaño was not fielded by Seoul as the home squad leaned on Jameel Warney's 23 points, nine boards, four assists, and three steals.

On the flipside, JD Cagulangan logged 36 minutes of action but was held to just four points, six assists, and four rebounds for Suwon.

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