–Ryukyu Golden Kings photo
MANILA, Philippines— Carl Tamayo continued to ride the bench but his Ryukyu Golden Kings drew first blood in the Japan B.League Finals after defeating the Chiba Jets in double overtime, 96-93, at Kanagawa Prefecture on Saturday.
Tamayo was not fielded at all in Game 1 of the league’s finalè but former PBA import Allen Durham more than made up for the slack with a monster double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds.
Josh Duncan registered a double-double of his own to the tune of 15 points and 13 rebounds to help the Golden Kings take a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three series.
one more.
B.LEAGUE FINALS 2022-23
5/28(日)13:10 TIP-OFF vs千葉J#団結の力 https://t.co/OT6D3THAWU pic.twitter.com/4LE6A9E8Kv— 琉球ゴールデンキングス公式 (@RyukyuKings) May 27, 2023
The Jets relied on Yuka Togashi’s 31-point outburst but to no avail. John Mooney also had a monster double-double with 26 markers and 22 boards on a losing effort for Chiba.
Tamayo was also benched in Ryukyu’s semifinal over against the Yokohama Bee Corsairs last Sunday, 88-84.
Tamayo and the Golden Kings look to end the series and notch the title on Sunday at the same venue.