Goodwin Scores 30 in Game 1, Warriors Edge Pilots in Overtime in PLG Finals

(Central News Agency, Taoyuan, 5th) In the P.LEAGUE+ Finals, the Taipei Fubon Warriors defeated the defending champion Taoyuan Pauian Pilots 97-95 in overtime on Wednesday, thanks to a game-high 30 points from Archie Goodwin, including a crucial three-pointer in the fourth quarter, to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The PLG Finals are a best-of-seven series. The Warriors, who lost the championship challenge last season, visited the defending champion Pilots. Both teams started the game with poor shooting percentages, leading to a back-and-forth contest. In the second half, the Warriors, led by a scoring spree from "scoring machine" Archie Goodwin, managed to pull away in overtime and secure a victory in the opening game of the Finals.

Goodwin scored a game-high 30 points, including a key step-back three-pointer just before the end of the fourth quarter, along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists, stabilizing the Warriors' position. Starting guard You-Wei Chen contributed 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals, while substitute Kai-Jie Hong scored 13 points on 100% shooting.

Warriors head coach Hsu Chin-Che told the media after the game that the performance of local players Chen and Hong was crucial. He noted that Chen played so well he couldn't be taken off the court, and Hong hit an important three-pointer when the team was trailing. "But we had too many turnovers today. We need to correct that in the next game and continue our fighting spirit," Hsu added.

Chen, who missed two free throws near the end of the fourth quarter, indirectly sending the game into overtime, blamed himself. "I need to practice my free throws more. It's not about stamina; I just didn't make them. I need to pay more attention to this aspect," he said. (Editor: Chen Cheng-Chien) 1150605