Yang Yu-ming battles through pain game

Yang Yu-ming's (楊玉明) selfless attitude in one of the gutsiest performances of the season got him the nod from members of the press for this week's "Mister Hustle" award.

Jeoutai Elephants' all-star shooting guard beat out the 37-point night of Taiwan Beer's Lin "the Monster" Chih-jeh (林志傑) and the league's first double-20 (23 points and 24 rebounds) by Dacin Tigers' Tien Lei (田壘).

Yang an ankle sprain and scored 20 hard-earned points, eight of which came in the game's final three minutes, to carry the Elephants past the league-leading Yulon Dinos for the victory.

Many of his baskets came right after the Dinos had scored big buckets to remain within striking distance of the Elephants.

His selection indicates that importance of "heart" rather than flair in earning the award.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Taiwan Beer faces a pair of back-breaking challenges.

The brew masters will get a date with the ready-to-explode Sina Lions, losers of two straight, tomorrow afternoon before taking the floor again on Sunday night against the tenacious Tigers.

This will be a major test for Taiwan Beer standout Lin Chih-jeh, the league's top scorer, who is averaging 24.1 points per game, as he is expected to play all but a few minutes in both contests.

Although Lin will probably get his usual 25 to 30 points in each contest, it's the effort that comes from his teammates that will ultimately tip the scales.

A lot will be on the line for the Tigers on Sunday as they cling on to a slim half-game margin for the fourth and final spot for postseason play.

Tien Lei of the Tigers should have a big game, because he is too quick for Taiwan Beer's big men inside and can shoot over the heads of the guards.

Elephants versus Mars

The meeting between the Elephants and the BCC Mars tomorrow night will be the most evenly matched game of the weekend.

The Elephants have won four straight and could end in a tie with the Mars and the Tigers for third place in league standings.

Wu Dai-hao (吳岱豪) should be able to do as he pleases inside against the frontcourt of the Mars with his quick first step off the pivot and an improved shooting touch from the 3m range.

Fresh off an impressive win over the Dinos, the Mars will look to run up the score against the Elephants, especially with passing wizard Yen Hsing-shu (顏行書) directing their fast-break out in the open court.

Dinos versus Bank of Taiwan

Even though the Dinos will be without the services of lead scorer Chen Hsin-an (陳信安) one last time due to his military leave, the team has too much talent and experience to let the bankers push them around on Sunday afternoon.

With hopes for the postseason already gone, it may be time for coach Wei Chen-ming (韋陳明) of the Bank of Taiwan to give his reserve players more minutes on the court as they gain experience in preparation for next season.