Cheng “Qoo” Ren-wei’s game-tying three-pointer with 2.2 seconds remaining in regulation time forced the extra sessions as the Fubon Braves defeated the Yulon Luxgens 91-89 at the Sinjhuang Sports Complex in New Taipei City yesterday afternoon.
In a game that featured numerous lead-changes, it was the Braves who had the last laugh, despite squandering a double-digit advantage in the second half and falling behind by as many as five before mustering just enough to send the game into overtime and ultimately prevailing.
“It was a great pass from Su Yi-chieh to set up my shot,” Cheng said after the game.
Photo: Lin Cheng-kung, Taipei Times
His clutch three-pointer was undoubtedly the difference in the game as the Braves never looked back from that point en route to a thrilling victory.
What should have been an easy win for the second-placed Braves against the struggling Luxgens had the making of a blowout in the opening frame as Fubon sank nearly half of their shots from the field to jump to a 24-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Even though the Braves did not add to their advantage in the second quarter, the game was theirs to win after one half of play until a rally by the Automakers saw them outscore the Braves 27-12 in the third.
Photo: Lin Cheng-kung, Taipei Times
However, with the game on the line, the Braves were able to rise to the occasion in a high-scoring fourth and convert all eight of their free-throw attempts to put the game away in overtime.
PURE YOUTH 88, BANK OF TAIWAN 82
Pure Youth Construction had little trouble picking up their 20th straight win against Bank of Taiwan, topping the financial wizards in the second game in New Taipei City last night.
Eleven quick points by Quincy Davis in the opening quarter set the tone early for the defending champions, whose last loss to the Bankers came on Jan. 29, 2011. They grabbed a 27-15 lead after one quarter of play and were up 51-33 at the half.
With reserves playing to give the starters a rest, the Builders still maintained a sizable advantage in the second half despite a rally by the Bankers that cut the deficit to eight with less than a minute to play in the final quarter.
Even though the Builders won by only six points, the outcome was never in doubt as they outplayed the Bankers in every facet to retain the best record in the league at 11-3.
TAIWAN BEER 63, TIGERS 59 (OT)
Taiwan Beer also needed overtime to turn back a resilient Dacin Tiger squad, nipping a three-game slide.
Liu Cheng and Patrick O’Bryant scored 11 of their team’s final 16 points.
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