League rests but players work out to generate edge

As teams in the Super Basketball League (SBL) take a two-week break, Chien Yi-fei (錢一飛), the coach of the undefeated Yulon Dino expects his playes to maintain their physical condition with a daily regiment of 100 setups, 100 pushups and a 3km run.

The Sina Lions and BCC Mars, on the other hand, have decided to use the time to recover from nagging injuries.

Dacin Tigers Coach Liu Chiia-fa (劉佳發) has also mandated a daily conditioning program for his players.

Taiwan Beer Coach Fu Ming-ren (傅明仁), clearly displeased with a series of recent losses, held practice sessions up until New Year's Eve.

The Jeoutai Elephants have learned that their three 5km runs per week might have been the difference in their two key victories over the Tigers, and will continue to run over the holiday, while Bank of Taiwan will hit the weight room in an effort to add some strength to their game.

But the top teams have won with defense, not pushups.

While the Dinos have kept opponents to under 72 points per game in their 11-0 streak, the Sina Lions have won seven straight with their league-leading pressure defense that has held the opposition to less than 70 points per match and forced nearly 10 turnovers per contest.

Having dropped over three points (from 74.7 to 71.4 points per game) in total team defense since early December, the Dinos have found success by blanketing key offensive threats.

Since losing their first three to open the season at 0-3, the Lions have used a tenacious "D" to help build a reputation as the toughest team to score against. Second only to the Dinos, the Lions have outscored their opponents by an average margin of six points.

Realizing their weakness in overall team speed, the Lions should be lauded for their ability to get back on defense, control the tempo of the game, and not run into a shooting match against younger opponents.