Kaohsiung has met its bane in New Taipei.
In their third meeting in the 2022-23 T1 League season, Jason Brickman and Kaohsiung fell to CTBC DEA, 85-93, on Christmas eve at Xinzhuang Gymnasium.
Brickman tallied 11 assists with three points but it was not enough to lift Kaohsiung to victory. The Aquas fell to 6-4 — 1.5 games behind CTBC DEA.
New Taipei won 87-109 on October 29 while Kaohsiung evened the series at with a 105-81 win on November 26.
Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga powered New Taipei with 27 points while Edgaras Zelionis added 26 points and 18 rebounds. Kritijan Krajina added 14 points and eight boards.
Mindaugas Kupsas paced the Aquas with 26 points and eight rebounds while Hu Longmao got 22 points built on four treys.
Chris Gavina’s Taichung, meanwhile, fell to Tainan TSG on Christmas day at Shao Tsung Gym, falling 95-106.
The Suns suffered their third straight loss to fall to 4-5.
The Ghosthawks, who rose to 6-5 for third, were led by Lu Kuanting, who fired 27 points on seven treys.
Sam Deguara got 25 points and 10 boards while Ku Mao Weichia tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
Tony Bishop and Aaron Geramipoor both got double-doubles for the Suns with the former producing 33 points and 12 rebounds while the latter tallied 19 points and 10 rebounds.