Behind an awesome 23-point performance by Su Shaing-yi, the Dacin Tigers outmaneuvered Taiwan Beer 76-70 at the Taipei County Gymnasium last night to even the playoff series between the two at two games apiece, sending the best-of-five series into a decisive Game 5 in Sinjahung tonight.
The speedy guard, who netted 11 of the Tigers’ 22 points in the first quarter, was simply too quick for his opponents with several strong drives to the hoop to lead his team past the Brew Crew in a must-win game for the defending champs.
“I am so glad that I was in a position to help the team win it [Game 4] to force a Game 5,” Su said after the game.
A loss by the Tigers would have advanced Taiwan Beer into the upcoming Championship Finals against the winner of the series between the Yulon Luxgens and Pure Youth Construction.
With their backs against the wall, the Tigers showed a strong desire to win in the early going taking a 11-6 lead in the first five minutes of play.
But the Brew Crew came back with a 5-0 run of their own to tie the game at 11-all, before falling behind by four to end the first quarter trailing 22-18.
Three quick fouls by Byron Allen in the first quarter kept the Dacin center on the bench for the entire second quarter, giving Taiwan Beer an edge inside the paint, with forward Derek Stribling downing six of his 12 first-half points from close range.
Fortunately for the Cats, the damage from Allen’s absence was minimal as they managed to maintain a lead (40-38) at the half for the first time in four games.
The Tigers increased their lead to as many as eight in the third quarter.
Chang Chih-fong and Tien Lei each converted on a pair of clutch buckets and a technical foul was called against Taiwan Beer skipper Yen Jia-hua for arguing a no-call by the referee in what ended up being a four-point turnaround as the Tigers enjoyed a 52-46 advantage at the end of the quarter.
The Tigers’ six-point lead proved ample as they held off a rally by Taiwan Beer in the fourth to win the match, setting up tonight’s decider.
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