It was not the result the traveling Taiwan Beer Leopards wanted but they will return to Taiwan with their heads high after an impressive performance in the land of the rising Sun. Kumamoto Volters triumphed over Taiwan beer Leopards 75-70 despite Humphrey Gabriel’s inspirational display with 19 points.
The visitors took the game to the host leading 6-1 in the opening minutes before the host turn around to end the first quarter with only a point deficit. 16-17.
Gabe stepped up in the second Quarter hitting points after point to open a 7 points lead but ran into foul troubles which forced the Coach to bench him in the later part of the first half giving Jameel McLean 23pts and Aaron White 17pts room to cause problems for the visiting Taiwan beer Leopards. A momentary loss of concertation aided by the full court pressing of the Volters forced the Leopards to commit several turnovers in the final seconds of the first half to end 38-37 before the interval.
With Humphrey still out, the volters third Import player Terrence Woodbury 19pts came in to cause further damages with a couple of three pointers to extend the lead by 12 points.
Leopard Coach had nothing to lose again and threw his Nigerian Talisman Humphrey Gabriel back in the 4th Quarter and the ace inspired the Leopards back into the tie to a 4 point deficit with less than 2 minutes on the clock.
Leopards needed a magical moment to claw their way back and the pass to Gabe came with the Nigeria attempting a 3 pointer and was fouled but the Referees called for an offensive foul and an ejection of the player which put paid to the Leopards hope of a comeback as the hosts held on to win the tie 75-70
Taiwan Beer Leopards CEO Zhang Jiewei Jenny lauded the players for their resilience and thanked the hosts for their kind hospitality.
“The project started two months ago and has been progressing with advice and support from Kumamoto. When I arrived in Japan yesterday, We received a very warm welcome and found the Wolters to be a great team.” He said
“This exchange is a wonderful thing, so I would like to continue to do it regularly in the future.
Not only would we come to Japan, but we would also like to have Wolters come to Taiwan and provide them with the same level of hospitality” he added.
“Since it’s still preseason, I believe the team will improve moving forward. I am anticipating the future because I was able to observe the skill of the other guys.”Humphery Gabriel said
“ It was a great experience for me and the team and feels good to play our first major game since the end of last season. “he added
“I am eager now to return to Taiwan for the Cross League Tournament to draw more spectators. I want to do my hardest to be able to play like that consistently since my play and the play in the second half were both good.” He stated
“As a team, we wish to develop even further. I also missed a lot of shots and made a lot of little errors. Although it wasn’t a pleasant contest, I’m delighted we did give a good fight. I want to continue to develop appropriately” he enthused
