Jason Brickman proved why he is the franchise player of Kaohsiung, steering his side to a 99-93 win over Taiwan Beer to advance to the 2022 T1 League Finals, Friday evening at Tianmu Campus Gymnasium of University of Taipei.
The 6-foot Filipino-American floor general tallied 25 points built on four treys to go with 14 assists, four rebounds, and three steals.
The Aquas will await the winner of the decider between Taichung and New Taipei which takes place tomorrow at National Taiwan University of Sport Gymnasium. The best-of-five finals begin on May 31.
Kaohsiung though had to figure in tense moments in the contest.
Leading 88-77 with eight minutes left, the Hero Bears stormed back, eventually cutting the lead down to three, 96-93, after a Chu Yitsung bucket with 26 seconds left. Brickman split his charities in the next possession.
Fortunately for the Aquas, Diamond Stone missed his three attempt before Xavier Alexander sealed their ticket with two clutch free throws.
Kaohsiung took Game One on their home floor, 114-91, last Wednesday.
Mindaugas Kupšas supported Brickman with 27 points while Alexander got 12 points and nine rebounds. Hu Longmao added 14 points as well.
Stone had a monster performance for Taiwan Beer with 31 points and 18 rebounds while Tyler Lamb added 24 points, six rebounds, five steals, and four steals.
