In the end, it’s the top two teams that will meet in the inaugural T1 League best-of-five finals.
Jordan Heading and Taichung Wagor forged a title showdown against Jason Brickman and Kaohsiung after outlasting New Taipei in the semis decider, taking an 80-76 win, Sunday at National Taiwan University of Sport Gymnasium.
The finals will begin on May 31 at Fengshan Gymnasium.
Tough was the three-game series for the Suns, winning Game One last May 24, 102-96, before the CTBC DEA took Game Two, 118-96.
This time around, the Suns found a second gear during their opponent’s fightback.
Clinging to a 74-69 lead with 2:57 left, Ting Shengju was able to find Aaron Geramipoor underneath to stop their bleeding.
Geramipoor and Heading then provided clutch buckets to extend the lead to nine a few seconds later.
Though Aaron Epps and Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga tried to give their side one last rally, time was not of the essence as the Suns punched their ticket to the last stage of the tournament.
Sani Sakakini led Taichung with 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists while Anthony Tucker got 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Heading added 12 points built on two deuces as well while Geramipoor added 10 points and seven boards.
Hsieh Yahsuan led New Taipei with 23 points on five treys while Marlon Johnson tallied a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Avery Scharer was limited to just four points, five rebounds, and three assists.
