Pure Youth Construction roughed up the Taiwan Mobile Cloud Leopards with 51 second-half points to run away with a 92-72 win at the Taipei Physical Education College Gymnasium in Tianmu yesterday afternoon.
Chien Chia-hung had a big day in a rare starting assignment from assistant coach Liu Yi-shiang, whose decision to start with Chien looked brilliant in hindsight as the power forward racked up a game-high 15 points to lead the defending champs past their nemesis.
A big day by Chien also meant great news for Pure Youth center Quincy Davis, who played sparingly by design in the interest of giving the reserve players more floor time. However, that did not keep the recently naturalized Taiwanese citizen from downing 11 points and three rebounds in less than 14 minutes of play to show his value to his team.
“It was a big win for us, with all the foreign players that are coming into the league and teams making adjustments to play against us,” Davis said after the game.
His presence will undoubtedly be crucial for the Builders as they look to claim their third straight league title this season despite the departure of sharpshooter Doug Creighton to China.
As for the Leopards, although they lost the game and remain without a win in this year’s play, forward Chang Rong-hsuan’s continued development should put a smile on coach Cheng Chih-lung’s face. Chang has gradually become the Leopards’ top offensive threat and should have a bright season ahead of him.
Injuries to three guards exposed their bench depth problem, presenting Cheng with another headache as they prepare for the regular SBL season that starts in less than two weeks.
SHANDONG 64, LUXGENS 54
Shandong Kingston took advantage of a stellar defensive performance that held the Yulon Luxgens to 8 points in the fourth quarter to attain beat the four-time SBL champs last night.
Lu Cheng-rue’s 19-points helped Yulon to a 32-30 lead at the half, but the visitors did a better job of keeping him in check and steadily improved their offense in the second half en route to a double-digit victory.
DONGGUAN 109, TIGERS 92
The previously unbeaten Dacin Tigers stumbled against Dongguan New Century, losing to their Chinese opponents in the late game in Tianmu last night.
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