Vanung University made it to the Taiwan University Basketball Association Final 4 following 81-68 win against the National Taiwan University of Arts with Nigerian Born Forward Humphery Gabe Gabriel in inspiring form.
Gabe raked in 22 points, 18 rebounds and 4 assists as Vanung recorded their 3rd win in the series.
Going into the Game, Vanung knew it is win or lose after suffering 3 previous losses and 2 wins but NTUA took the game from the tip-off and raced to a 7-0 lead before Gabe took the game on his hands and pushed his side back with a Dunk, followed by a 3 pointer.
Both sides were neck in neck until the last second of the First Quarter and NTUA took the lead 21-20.
Vanung got their strides right in the Second Quarter to take a a seven-point lead into the interval leading 44-37.
Gabe has raked in 5 double-doubles in the last 5 games and was not going to take his foot off the gas as he continued to lead the team at both ends with both offensive and defensive rebounds. The Forward made 100% shots from the free-throw line as well as 3 point shots as Vanung continued to pull away to end the 3rd Quarter 67-48.
Despite Coach Bamsim resting his talisman and his starting 5 for the final 5 minutes of the last quarter, Vanunng was comfortable and saw out the game to win 81-68.
Gabe and his teammates went into the locker room with the final game on Friday in mind oblivious of the Ranking only to receive the news that results from other games have come in favor of Vanung that they are through to the Final Four even with a game in hand.
“We were shocked to know we are through to the final four with a game in hand, We came into the game today knowing we must win our last two games to make it through and that was the impetus we needed to really go all out for the win today,” He said.
“We will return to the court tomorrow with the aim to end the series in style so we won’t take off our foot from the pedal, ending the tie with a win will be fun” he added.
Humphrey Gabe Gabriel has recorded an average of 13.8 Rebounds and 16 Points in the 6 games played and will be looking to crown the series with another double-double on Friday.
