KUALA LUMPUR (Malaysia) - It wasn’t pretty, and it wasn’t easy. But for the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, it was exactly the kind of win that matters most in a competition like this.
We know there will be more surprises in away games, so we need to play harder and more confidently.
A 98-95 double-overtime victory over NS Matrix Deers in front of a sold-out crowd at MABA Stadium marked the Pilots’ debut in the Basketball Champions League Asia - East, and they left with more than just a win they left with a hard-earned lesson.
"Winning is really, really important. This is a short competition, only six games to qualify," said head coach Iurgi Caminos post-game. "Mathematically, you need four wins, and it’s difficult to get them all at home - so winning away is even more important. The way we won, I hope we picked up some lessons."
The Pilots built a 19-point lead in the second half but watched it disappear behind a barrage of threes from John Murry II and a resilient Deers comeback. Still, they dug deep - thanks to Jarrod Jones (24 points, 12 rebound, 5 assists), Julian Boyd (20 points, 12 rebounds), and a gritty go-ahead bucket by Treveon Graham with just 8.2 seconds left in the second overtime.
"Luckily we still won the game,” said Kuan Ta You. "We know there will be more surprises in away games, so we need to play harder and more confidently."
With three more windows to go in Jakarta, New Taipei City, and Ulaanbaatar against the likes of these Deers, Bishrelt Metal, and Pelita Jaya Basketball - this was just the first hurdle.
The Pilots' next game will be on April 6 against Pelita Jaya in Indonesia. Then they will get set for their difficult home stand in New Taipei City from April 26-29. They will close out their Group Phase play on May 12 against Bishrelt Metal in Ulaanbatar.
Make no mistake: in a tournament this short, every game matters. And a road win like this? It could be the one that sets the tone for the rest of the campaign.
The Pilots passed their first test. Now, they know the challenges only get tougher.
FIBA