JLin's clutch three breaks Ryukyu resistance

January 10 - Xinzhuang Arena, New Taipei City, Chinese Taipei

New Taipei Kings qualified for the Final Four this evening with a 67-63 home win over Japan B.LEAGUE champions Ryukyu Golden Kings.

Jeremy Lin hit a spectacular three-pointer in the last minute of the game to help New Taipei finally see off a battling Ryukyu.

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Postgame Triple‍‍

1. JLin comes up clutch

With less than a minute to go in the game, two free throws from Ryukyu Golden Kings cut New Taipei Kings' lead to a single point. Into this moment of uncertainty stepped Jeremy Lin. The former NBA phenom showed his quality, peeling away from his marker to hit a spectacular, long-range three. The score was a fitting finale to a pulsating game.

Ryukyu had looked like potentially reeling in New Taipei. The home side had led for three-and-a-half quarters of play, before a late Ryukyu rally led by Filipino import Carl Tamayo threatened an upset. Jeremy Lin's dagger three put an end to the Japanese side's hopes.

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2. Manigault helps New Taipei dominate rebounds

New Taipei Kings out-rebounded Ryukyu Golden Kings 54-37. Kenny Manigault played a big role in New Taipei's dominance of the boards, recording a game-high 13.

Ryukyu's center Jack Cooley picked up 10 rebounds. Cooley's effectiveness was blunted towards the end of the game as he entered the fourth quarter with four fouls and fouled out with just under three minutes to play.

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3. Ryukyu need revenge and a favor

If Ryukyu Golden Kings are to make the Final Four, they almost certainly need to beat New Taipei Kings in their return game in Okinawa on January 24. This will be the final group game for both teams.

Ryukyu also need Group B rivals Seoul SK Knights to slip up. Seoul (2-2) have two more games to go in the group stage, against New Taipei on January 31 and against bottom-of-the-table Meralco Bolts (1-3) on February 7.

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Player of the Game - Kenny Manigault, New Taipei Kings

Kenny Manigault edged Jeremy Lin in the scoring, on 16 versus 15. In addition, Manigault had a huge impact on the boards, with 13 rebounds. He also pitched in with two assists.

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Stats of the Game

Low scoring was one of the most notable features of this tight contest. New Taipei Kings shot just 34 percent from the field, with Ryukyu Golden Kings on 38 percent.

While a superb three from Jeremy Lin won the game, New Taipei Kings' three-point shooting was generally woeful at 12 percent. Lin's game-winner was his only converted three from six attempts.

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Next Games

• Both: Ryukyu Golden Kings vs. New Taipei Kings, January 24

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