Changwon LG Sakers’ Carl Tamayo (left) and Suwon KT Sonic Boom’s JD Cagulangan (right). Photos from Korean Basketball League.In their first encounter as professionals, Carl Tamayo and the Changwon LG Sakers fended off a gritty effort from JD Cagulangan and the Suwon KT Sonicboom.

The former University of the Philippines star got one over his fellow ex-Fighting Maroon ace, 78-70, in their Korean Basketball League (KBL) regular season faceoff on Monday at the KT Sonicboom Arena.

Tamayo posted eight markers with five rebounds, two assists, and a steal to help Changwon move up to fourth place in the team standings with a 16-13 record.

On the other hand, Cagulangan scattered nine markers with three assists and a rebound, but they fell to half a game behind the LG Sakers at No.5 due to their 15-13 record.

The 5-foot-10, two-time UAAP Champion guard had the chance in the clutch to get within five after he drained a lay-in off a spin plus a foul, but he missed his bonus free-throw and only got his team to within six, 76-70, at the 1:37 mark.

To rub more salt into Cagulangan and Suwon’s wounds, his former teammate and his ‘best friend’ Tamayo made a lay-in at the opposite end in Changwon’s next possession, and that proved to be all the LG Sakers needed to secure the victory.

Meanwhile, Justin Gutang and the Samsung Seoul Thunders had a decisive victory over Busan KCC Egis.

Seoul moved past Busan, 81-69, in their Monday clash to move up to No.8 in the team standings with an 11-17 record.

The former De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Blazers had 12 points with six rebounds and three assists in their latest win.