It was a very significant victory for Taiwan Beer’s (#1, 17-8) against 3rd placed Bank of Tawain (13-12) 89-85.
It marked the return of Taiwan Beer’s Talisman Humphery Gabriel “ Gabe” who has been out for 11 Games due to a shoulder injury he sustained in the round 5 match against Yulon Luxgen on March 15.
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Taiwan Beer was on a run of winning streak before Gabe’s injury and the run ended when BLL Chunghua inflicted a 66-75 defeat to the Taiwan Beer. In Gabe’s absence, Taiwan Beer surged on to record 6 wins and 5 defeats. Despite the setbacks, Taiwan Beer remains top of the chart and is just 2 games away from sealing the Finals Playoff spot.
“ We knew this weekend’s round of matches are crucial for us, we need to win two games to seal the top spot and I had to return to action for these games,” Gabe said before the match.
Coach Yang Chih Hao was cautious about using his Jewel as for the first time Gabe was not on the starting list. The Game was neck to neck as Bank of Taiwan star boy Calloo Maurice ( 30 Pts) continued to inspire his side.
Coach Hao introduced Gabe in the 5th minute of the 1st quarter with scores tied at 23-23 and Nigerian instantly made an impact with an assist to John Fields ( 32 points ) and the American slammed a dunk to put Taiwan Beer ahead. From that stage, Taiwan Beer put their noses in front but Bank of Taiwan didn’t let go as the first half ended 43-41.
Bank of Taiwan forced 18 Taiwan Beer turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 17 assists. American forward Callooo Maurice nailed 30 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-19 shooting from the field) but it was Gabe’s Impact that made the difference for the Taiwan Beer despite playing for 20 minutes, he dropped 8 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side giving the American John Fields room to penetrate which accounted for 32 points, 12 rebounds and 2 Assists. Taiwan Beer now requires a win in the next two games to seal their position in top spot and a place in the 2024 SBL Finals.
“I am extremely excited to be back on the court again,” Gabe said in the post-match conference after he had missed 11 games due to injury.
“ The last few weeks I haven’t been able to play at all even just shooting or dribbling, I didn’t get to do much ( Except with my left hand) it was not fun to just be watching Games and practices but I made sure that my injury wouldn’t be in vain, trying to learn how the other teams play and also how my team plays as well so i can come back and make an impact,” he said
“ I know I am not yet 100% fit but I am very happy to be on the court again and make a push for the championship this last month of the season” he enthused.
 against 3rd placed Bank of Tawain (13-12) 89-85.){kind=link}