Jordan Heading’s early explosion was not enough to lift Taichung Wagor past Taiwan Beer, bowing 84-91 in the 2021-22 T1 League season, Saturday at National Taiwan University of Sport Gymnasium.
Though not having Alonzo Gee for the game due to contracting COVID-19 in the US, the Suns were up 46-43 at the half and 63-62 entering the final frame.
The Hero Bears though turned it up, going on a 9-0 blast that turned a 67-68 deficit into a six-point lead midway through the final frame.
The Taiwan Beer lead went to as high as 11 points, 82-71, before Jordan Heading and Sani Sakakini sliced the lead down to five, 87-82, with a minute left in the game.
The Suns though went cold late while steady free throw shooting from Chiang Yuan and stops courtesy of Tony Mitchell sealed the win.
Taiwan Beer remained in solo second with a 6-3 slate while handing Taichung its third straight loss to fall to 2-5.
This is the Suns’ third loss to the Herobears this season.
Taiwan Beer took a 117-111 win last December 11 before Taichung took it back on Christmas day, 110-102. The Herobears defeated the Suns last week, 95-88.
Chiang had himself a game for the Herobears with 28 points built on five treys.
Mitchell added 19 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks while Diamond Stone played all 48 minutes, tallying 17 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, and four steals.
Heading had 25 points to lead Taichung, going 8-of-21 from the field with seven rebounds.
Sakakini got 19 points and 21 rebounds as Julian Wright was limited to just nine points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Heading and Taichung will next face Caelan Tiongson and Taoyuan tomorrow.
