The TaiwanBeer HeroBears emerged victorious against the Taichung Suns in a thrilling T1 LEAGUE match on Monday, despite a formidable performance by Suns’ star shooter Rayvonte Rice who scored an impressive 35 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and four steals.
Rice, who made his T1 LEAGUE debut on February 11 against the HeroBears, astounded fans with his 46-point night and a 95-90 triumph for the Suns. However, the HeroBears managed to thwart the Suns’ attempt to repeat their previous success, winning the game 97-91.
After the game, Rice expressed his disappointment in the team’s performance and stressed the need for a collective effort. While some shots were falling for him, Rice acknowledged the importance of other players stepping up to the plate. Suns’ head coach Chris Gavina also emphasized the importance of a positive mindset and confidence, even in the face of defeat.
Despite the loss, the Suns remain in fifth place in the T1 LEAGUE, six games behind the top-seeded New Taipei CTBC DEA with a record of 6-12. The HeroBears improved to 9-10 and held on to their fourth-place ranking. During the game itself, the HeroBears gained a seven-point lead at halftime, but the Suns mounted a comeback early in the third quarter, taking a 61-55 lead with just over six minutes remaining.
Unfortunately for the Suns, they faltered towards the end of the quarter, with the HeroBears outscoring them 22-6, and never coming within seven points of their opponents in the final 12 minutes of the game, until the dying seconds.