An explosive offensive performance gave Taiwan a 83-72 victory over the US in front of a lively crowd in the Sinjhuang Stadium last night on the penultimate day of play in the Jones Cup.
A continuous barrage of three-point shots propelled Taiwan throughout the game, while double-digit contributions from multiple players made up for the loss of injured big man Tseng Wen-ting.
Lin "the Beast" Chih-chieh carried Taiwan in the first quarter, sinking four three-point shots and racking up a total of 14 of Taiwan's points. He was backed up by Wu Tai-hao, who scored five and went to the line once. The US shot 40 percent to Taiwan's 50 percent from the field, but was hampered by sloppy play when it threw away two passes out of bounds on two consecutive possessions to fall behind 14-21.
By the end of the second quarter, Taiwan had extended its lead to 43-30 thanks to pinpoint shooting from beyond the arc.
Chen Shin-nien led the way by sinking both of his three-point attempts, while Chen Hsin-an added another of his own.
Meanwhile, the US offense continued to be stifled, making just 9 of 23 two-point attempts despite stealing four balls to Taiwan's one by the end of the half.
Taiwan kept the pressure on in the third quarter with another hail of three-point shots. This time it was Chen, sinking all four of his attempts, to up his point total for the game to 18. The US' Cliff Hammonds also contributed three three-point shots for a total of 10 points.
Taiwan's 16 points in the fourth quarter was its lowest of the game, but after shooting more than 50 percent from the field during the entire game, it was more than enough to outlast the US and allow Taiwan to join the four-way tie for second place.
Going into the last day of play today, Jordan is already assured victory with a 7-1 record. The Philippines, the US, Lebanon and Taiwan all share second place with 5-3 records.
Taiwan is scheduled to play South Korea at 7:30pm at Sinjhuang Stadium.
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