T1 League Round 40: Aquas are defeated by TB Herobears

Michael Qualls

The games are now more important than at the beginning of the Regular Season. We may still expect few shocking results in upcoming 4 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most important game in the last round was the one between third ranked Aquas (14-14) and fourth ranked TB Herobears (14-14) on Sunday night. Aquas were defeated by TB Herobears 99-87. TB Herobears dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Aquas' 26 and made 31-of-39 free shots (79.5 percent) during the game, while Aquas only scored ten points from the stripe. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when TB Herobears made 9 blocks. 29 personal fouls committed by Aquas helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Michael Qualls (197-1994, college: Arkansas) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 37 points (!!!) and 21 rebounds and the other American import forward Perry Jones III (211-1991, college: Baylor, agency: Slash Sports) who added 13 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 blocks during the contest. At the losing side American forward Xavier Alexander (196-1988, college: S.Nazarene) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. Aquas' coach rotated thirteen players in this game, but that didn't help. TB Herobears moved-up to third place, which they share with Kaohsiung A. TB Herobears is looking forward to face Suns (#5) in Taichung in the next round. Aquas will have a break next round.
The game in Taoyuan was also worth to mention about. Second ranked GhostHawks (18-9) played at the court of 6th ranked Leopards (6-22). GhostHawks managed to secure a 8-point victory 92-84. The winners were led by American center Robert Upshaw (213-1994, college: Washington) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 24 points and 14 rebounds and Sim Bhullar supported him with 20 points and 9 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Even a double-double of 19 points and 19 rebounds by American Deyonta Davis (211-1996, college: Michigan St., agency: MSG) did not help to save the game for Leopards. Leopards' coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. GhostHawks have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 18-9 record having four points less than leader N.Taipei CTBC. Leopards lost sixth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 22 lost games. GhostHawks will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Leopards will play again on the road against the league's second-placed GhostHawks (#2) in Tainan and hope to get back on the winning track.