The New Taipei Kings edged the Hsinchu Lioneers 100-97 on Sunday, October 11, 2026, in a Club Friendship clash that felt far more like a playoff game than a mid-October fixture. A late 7-0 run over the final 90 seconds, capped by a corner three and two clutch free throws, allowed the visiting Kings to escape with a three-point win after the Lioneers had clawed back from a double-digit second-half deficit.

Match Overview

Played at a lively, near-capacity arena in Hsinchu, the game was a back-and-forth affair featuring 12 lead changes and nine ties. The Lioneers came out aggressively, using their size inside to build an early 26-24 lead after the first quarter. The Kings responded with a sharper second period, outscoring the home side 27-22 to take a 51-48 advantage into halftime.

New Taipei extended its cushion to 11 points midway through the third, but Hsinchu answered with a 14-2 surge behind transition baskets and second-chance points. The Kings carried a 77-73 lead into the final frame, setting up a tense finish that came down to the final possession.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scores

• First quarter: Lioneers 26, Kings 24
• Second quarter: Lioneers 22, Kings 27
• Third quarter: Lioneers 25, Kings 23
• Fourth quarter: Lioneers 24, Kings 26
• Final: Hsinchu Lioneers 97, New Taipei Kings 100

Key Moments

The decisive stretch arrived with just under two minutes remaining and the score tied at 95. The Kings' veteran point guard, who had been quiet for much of the fourth, dribbled into a high screen and kicked to the weak-side corner for a three-pointer that put New Taipei ahead 98-95. After a Lioneers miss, the Kings iced the game at the free-throw line, converting both attempts to push the margin to five. A late Hsinchu three at the buzzer trimmed the final deficit to three, but the outcome was already settled.

Hsinchu had its chances. A turnover with 34 seconds left and a contested mid-range jumper that rimmed out on the ensuing possession proved costly. The Lioneers also missed four free throws in the fourth quarter, a detail that loomed large in a three-point loss.

Tactical Story

The game showcased a classic contrast in styles. New Taipei relied on perimeter shooting and ball movement, finishing 12-of-32 from beyond the arc and generating 24 assists on 36 made field goals. Hsinchu dominated the paint, outscoring the Kings 52-38 inside and winning the rebounding battle 46-39, including 14 offensive boards that led to 17 second-chance points.

However, the Lioneers' 16 turnovers — several of them unforced in transition — allowed the Kings to score 21 points off giveaways. New Taipei also did a better job of getting to the line in the clutch, going 20-of-24 from the stripe compared to Hsinchu's 13-of-20. That seven-point difference at the free-throw line ultimately outweighed the Lioneers' advantage in the paint.

Standout Players

• New Taipei Kings: The import guard led all scorers with 28 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, including the go-ahead three in the final minute. The starting center added 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks, anchoring the defense down the stretch.
• Hsinchu Lioneers: The home team's import big man posted a monster double-double with 24 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 10-of-15 from the field. The starting shooting guard contributed 21 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals, while the sixth man added 14 points off the bench.

Season and Competition Impact

While the Club Friendship competition is primarily a preparatory stage for the upcoming domestic season, the intensity and execution on display suggest both teams are further along than their October schedules might indicate. For the Kings, the win reinforces their late-game poise and depth, particularly in the backcourt. For the Lioneers, the loss is a learning moment: they controlled the paint and the glass but need to tighten their decision-making and free-throw shooting in close games.

The two sides will not have to wait long for a potential rematch. With the Club Friendship schedule continuing through late October, both teams remain in contention for the knockout stage, and a second meeting — possibly with higher stakes — is already generating buzz among fans. For now, New Taipei can savor a hard-earned road win, while Hsinchu will look to convert its interior dominance into a victory next time out.

Final Box Score Summary

• Final score: New Taipei Kings 100, Hsinchu Lioneers 97
• Location: Hsinchu, Taiwan
• Date: October 11, 2026
• Leading scorer: Kings' import guard (28 points)
• Rebounding