Behind seven points by Liu Sheng-yao in the game’s final minute of overtime, the Fubon Braves outfought top-seeded Pure Youth Construction to win 86-81 at the Sinjhuang Sports Complex in New Taipei City last night to take Game 4 of their series.
“The shots were there for me, so I took them and did not worry about anything else,” Liu said after an electrifying effort to breathe new life into his team.
Another loss to the Builders would have put them in the dire position of being down 3-1 in the best-of-seven semi-final series, but the result left it at two wins each.
Photo: Lin Cheng-kung, Taipei Times
Despite coughing up a six-point lead at the half with a dismal third quarter, Pure Youth had a chance to put the game away late in the fourth when Lin Chin-bang stole an inbound pass with 15.9 seconds remaining in regulation. Lin seemed well on his way to an easy go-ahead score, but the normally sure-handed forward blew a golden opportunity by missing the uncontested layup, sending the game into an extra session.
That was the break the Braves were looking for as they hung tight with the regular-season champions to set up Liu’s game-turning three that gave the Braves the lead for good.
Fubon’s Foreign Player of the Year Earl Barron had a big day with a game-high 34 points to pace his team to an emotional win.
Builders head coach Ben Metcalf was named the Coach of the Year at a ceremony during the halftime break, but his team failed to send him off in grand style by not executing down the stretch.
TAIWAN BEER 46, TIGERS 44 (HT)
At press time last night, the Dacin Tigers were leading Taiwan Beer at halftime in Game 4 of their semi-final series in New Taipei City.
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