You can’t teach experience. SINA used a third quarter 32-14 run to rally from a nine-point halftime deficit and beat Taiwan Beer 81-80 last night to win its eighth straight. SINA holds the longest winning streak after Yulon’s winning streak stopped at 11.
With the activation of Ho Sho-jen, who suffered a potential season-ending wrist injury prior to the start of the season, Taiwan Beer finally had someone who can pair with powerful scorer Lin Chih-jay.
It looked like Taiwan Beer was ready to snap SINA’s winning streak in the first half. But SINA’s decisive third quarter turnaround change the momentum. Haung Chun-hsiung once and again sneaked inside for putbacks, while Chou Jun-san fired from outside.
Ho Sho-jen had a brilliant debut though, making 5 of 7 shots including 3-for-4 from three-point territory. Lin Chih-jay also connected 6 of his 13 three-point tries to keep TB in front. But point guard Chen Shih-nian dribbled away most of the shot clock in the last play, when TB trailed 80-81, before launching an off-balance three-point shot that missed the rim.
Plagued by the absence of injured big man Ju Yong-hong, Bank of Taiwan lost its league-high seventh straight game after an 81-62 loss to Mars.
Summary
SINA 81-80 Taiwan Beer (Half 35-44)
SINA – Huang Chun-hsiung 24p+7rb, Chou Jun-san 21p+5a
TB – Lin Chih-jay 27p+7rb+6a, Chen Shih-nian 14p, Ho Sho-jen 13p
Mars 81-62 Bank of Taiwan (Half 42-23)
Mars – Lai Kuo-hong 14p, Yen Shin-shu 10p+4a+4s, Lee Chi-yi 8p+14rb
BOT – Lin Chun-feng 17p+7rb, Wu Yong-jen 17p, Yang Chin-min 13p