Yang Tseh-yi’s clutch free-throw with just 1.5 seconds remaining in the game broke a 70-70 tie as the Yulon Luxgens defeated the Dacin Tigers 71-70 in Game 6 of the Championship Finals last night to claim their fourth league title in seven years.
The highly anticipated showdown lived up to its billing in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 3,000-plus at the Taipei County Gymnasium in Sinjhuang as the Luxgens led it by as many as 13 in the fourth quarter only to blow the lead in the final minute with the Tigers forcing a 70-70 tie before winning in dramatic fashion on Yang’s free-throw.
Twenty-three combined points by backcourt tandem Lee Hsueh-lin and Chen Chih-chung helped Yulon claim a 33-24 lead at the half, with the former netting a dozen and the latter pouring in 11.
PHOTO: LIN CHENG-KUNG, TAIPEI TIMES
Even though top Luxgen center Tseng Wen-ding fouled out at the 6:05 mark in the third quarter on a controversial call by the referee to reduce his team’s offensive potential, his replacement, Wu Chih-wei, rose to the occasion by scoring 14 points off the bench in the second half to surprise the Tigers.
Wu’s second-half surge proved critical for the Luxgens, as it kept several of the Tiger rallies short while wearing down the clock to make good on the win.
Failure to convert their free throws ultimately cost the Tigers the win and the title as they converted a measly 15 of 32 from behind the charity stripe (46.9 percent) on the night, well short of their season average of 70.6 percent to lose this one in disheartening manner.
PHOTO: LIN CHENG-KUNG, TAIPEI TIMES
Chen was named the series Most Valuable Player for his uncanny display of leadership on both ends of the floor throughout the six-game series. It was the 33-year-old point man’s fourth title and first Championship Series MVP selection.
“I would like to dedicate this [title] to coach Chien for his selfless contribution to the team, may he rest in peace,” Chen said after the game, referring to Yulon coach Chien Yi-fei, who passed away in 2007 after guiding the team to three straight titles from 2004 to 2006.
The win by the Luxgens also proved that they could win the title without the help of any foreign players as they opted to go without any imported help after losing Chen Hsin-an to China’s CBA.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely