TPBL: Kao Chin-Wei ties career-high 11 assists, Leopards clinch playoff spot
The Taiwan Beer Leopards defeated the Kaohsiung Aquas 99-85 in the TPBL, led by Miller and Diallo's combined 60 points and Kao Chin-Wei's 11 assists, securing a playoff berth.
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- 📰 Published: April 25, 2026 at 19:26
- 🔍 Collected: April 25, 2026 at 19:31 (5 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 25, 2026 at 19:36 (5 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency reporter Chen Jung-chen, Taipei, 25th) The Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL) Taiwan Beer Leopards defeated the Kaohsiung Aquas 99-85 today, relying on foreign players Malcolm Miller and Cheick Diallo, who combined for 60 points, and Kao Chin-Wei, who tied his career high with 11 assists, officially securing a playoff ticket.
The Leopards, who had been running away with the best record since the start of the season, unexpectedly fell into instability recently, suffering a 2-game losing streak and even temporarily losing the top spot in the TPBL standings. Fortunately, facing the bottom-ranked Aquas at home today, led by back-to-back scoring shows from foreign players Malcolm Miller and Cheick Diallo, they eventually repelled the Aquas by a 14-point margin, reclaiming the title of the number 1 team in the standings.
Playing for the first time after the renovation of their home court, the Taoyuan Arena, the Leopards rested their main attacker Lasannah Kromah. In the first half, they couldn't stop the highly efficient contribution of the opponent's foreign player Edgaras Zelionis, entering halftime with only a 2-point lead. However, after changing baskets, Diallo's strong performance of 12 points and 11 rebounds in a single quarter helped the Leopards establish the foundation for victory and grab a playoff ticket at the same time.
Leopards head coach Henrik Rodl said in a joint media interview after the game that after a long season, it is finally confirmed that they can enter the playoffs. He praised all the players for their play style and fighting spirit throughout the year, which has paid off, but he believes this is just the beginning. "I hope we can have a better ranking."
Although Leopards' starting point guard Kao Chin-Wei only scored 3 points in this game, he handed out a career-high-tying 11 assists. The Leopards will continue to face the Formosa Dreamers at home tomorrow to fight for the top spot in the regular season. He stated that he would try to maintain the flow of the ball. "We will be ready to adapt when playing against the Dreamers tomorrow, and we will see the coach's tactical adjustments." (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150425
The Leopards, who had been running away with the best record since the start of the season, unexpectedly fell into instability recently, suffering a 2-game losing streak and even temporarily losing the top spot in the TPBL standings. Fortunately, facing the bottom-ranked Aquas at home today, led by back-to-back scoring shows from foreign players Malcolm Miller and Cheick Diallo, they eventually repelled the Aquas by a 14-point margin, reclaiming the title of the number 1 team in the standings.
Playing for the first time after the renovation of their home court, the Taoyuan Arena, the Leopards rested their main attacker Lasannah Kromah. In the first half, they couldn't stop the highly efficient contribution of the opponent's foreign player Edgaras Zelionis, entering halftime with only a 2-point lead. However, after changing baskets, Diallo's strong performance of 12 points and 11 rebounds in a single quarter helped the Leopards establish the foundation for victory and grab a playoff ticket at the same time.
Leopards head coach Henrik Rodl said in a joint media interview after the game that after a long season, it is finally confirmed that they can enter the playoffs. He praised all the players for their play style and fighting spirit throughout the year, which has paid off, but he believes this is just the beginning. "I hope we can have a better ranking."
Although Leopards' starting point guard Kao Chin-Wei only scored 3 points in this game, he handed out a career-high-tying 11 assists. The Leopards will continue to face the Formosa Dreamers at home tomorrow to fight for the top spot in the regular season. He stated that he would try to maintain the flow of the ball. "We will be ready to adapt when playing against the Dreamers tomorrow, and we will see the coach's tactical adjustments." (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150425