Jordan Heading finally made his debut for Taichung Wagor.
However, his efforts were not enough as the Suns fell to the TaiwanBeer HeroBears, 111-117, in their 2021-22 T1 League debut, Saturday at Tianmu Stadium.
Heading, who had a controversial path to Taichuang, fired 26 points built on five triples to go along with eight rebounds and six assists. The former Alab Pilipinas guard arrived in Taiwan a couple of weeks ago.
Down 83-94 with 8:56 left, spearheaded the Suns’ rally, scoring eight points to bring life to the Suns.
Ding Shengru pulled Taichung within four, 99-103, with 2:23 left but Jiang Luoan was able to get it back.
Jiang kept firing late to fend off Taichung and raise TaiwanBeer’s slate to 2-1.
Diamond Stone had another monster scoring performance, scoring 47 points with 12 rebounds.
Tony Mitchell got a triple-double with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists while Jiang added 20 points as he went 9-of-9 from the stripe.
Sani Sakakini led Taichung with 40 points and 16 rebounds while Chen Jinghuan added 20 points. Ding Shengru finished with 16 points as well.
Alonzo Gee and Donte Greene are still clearing quarantine for the Suns.
Heading and Taichuang will next face Jason Brickman and Kaohsiung on December 19.