TPBL Rookie Sensation Liu Cheng-hsun Delivers Career Performance, Lioneers Secure Playoff Berth
The Hsinchu Lioneers of the TPBL secured a playoff spot by defeating the New Taipei Kings, thanks to a career-high 22 points from rookie sensation Liu Cheng-hsun and 31 points and 18 rebounds from foreign player Marin Maric. This marks a significant turnaround for the team, which finished last season at the bottom.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 29, 2026 at 23:26
- 🔍 Collected: April 29, 2026 at 23:31 (5 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 30, 2026 at 01:57 (2h 25m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Chen Rong-chen, Taipei, 29th) The Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL) Hsinchu Lioneers today, relying on rookie sensation Liu Cheng-hsun's career-high 22 points, combined with foreign player Marin Maric's 31 points and 18 rebounds, defeated the New Taipei Kings 98-78 to secure a playoff berth.
The Lioneers, who finished last in the TPBL league last season, have bounced back from the bottom this season. Under head coach Wesam Al-Sous's team-oriented style of play, many local players have been unleashed. Now, with rookie sensation Liu Cheng-hsun delivering a career-best performance, the Lioneers defeated the defending champions Kings by 20 points at home today, securing their spot in the playoffs and will compete with the Formosa Dreamers for a championship final ticket.
The key to victory in this game was in the second quarter. The Lioneers, who were trailing by 1 point at the time, almost perfectly shut down the Kings' offense, allowing the opponent to score only 13 points in the quarter. In addition, Liu Cheng-hsun scored in double digits in a single quarter, helping the Lioneers take a nearly 20-point lead. After halftime, Tseng Po-yu connected the team's offense, complemented by Marin Maric's consistent scoring, and the Lioneers successfully achieved their second consecutive win.
Lioneers head coach Wesam Al-Sous stated in a post-game media interview that he particularly praised the players for their hard work and preparation throughout the offseason, and believed that the coaching staff's culture building led to a great season. He also called out to fans that the Lioneers have finally returned to the playoffs and to the ranks of contending for the championship, "but this is just the beginning; the playoffs will bring more challenges."
Liu Cheng-hsun, who delivered a career-best performance and is likely to secure the Rookie of the Year award, mentioned that from the first game of the season until now, he has always maintained the mindset of being ready at any time because he doesn't know when the opportunity will come. "I feel that when the opportunity comes, it's mine, and I must seize it when it arrives." (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150429
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(Central News Agency reporter Chen Rong-chen, Taipei, 29th) The Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL) Hsinchu Lioneers today, relying on rookie sensation Liu Cheng-hsun's career-high 22 points, combined with foreign player Marin Maric's 31 points and 18 rebounds, defeated the New Taipei Kings 98-78 to secure a playoff berth.
The Lioneers, who finished last in the TPBL league last season, have bounced back from the bottom this season. Under head coach Wesam Al-Sous's team-oriented style of play, many local players have been unleashed. Now, with rookie sensation Liu Cheng-hsun delivering a career-best performance, the Lioneers defeated the defending champions Kings by 20 points at home today, securing their spot in the playoffs and will compete with the Formosa Dreamers for a championship final ticket.
The key to victory in this game was in the second quarter. The Lioneers, who were trailing by 1 point at the time, almost perfectly shut down the Kings' offense, allowing the opponent to score only 13 points in the quarter. In addition, Liu Cheng-hsun scored in double digits in a single quarter, helping the Lioneers take a nearly 20-point lead. After halftime, Tseng Po-yu connected the team's offense, complemented by Marin Maric's consistent scoring, and the Lioneers successfully achieved their second consecutive win.
Lioneers head coach Wesam Al-Sous stated in a post-game media interview that he particularly praised the players for their hard work and preparation throughout the offseason, and believed that the coaching staff's culture building led to a great season. He also called out to fans that the Lioneers have finally returned to the playoffs and to the ranks of contending for the championship, "but this is just the beginning; the playoffs will bring more challenges."
Liu Cheng-hsun, who delivered a career-best performance and is likely to secure the Rookie of the Year award, mentioned that from the first game of the season until now, he has always maintained the mindset of being ready at any time because he doesn't know when the opportunity will come. "I feel that when the opportunity comes, it's mine, and I must seize it when it arrives." (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150429
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
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The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcasted publicly, transmitted publicly, or utilized without authorization.