Taiwan on Wednesday opened their FIBA Asia Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia with a 95-87 win over the Philippines, powered by a 34-point performance from star guard Chen Ying-chun at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The result was critical for Taiwan’s chances of advancing to the tournament’s quarter-finals from their tough preliminary round Group B, which also includes New Zealand and Iraq. Taiwan is currently tied with two points apiece with New Zealand after they both emerged victorious from their opening games. A first-place finish in the group would give Taiwan a direct spot in the quarter-finals.
Taiwan took control of the game early against the Philippines, and held an 11-point lead after the first quarter.
Photo: CNA
The Philippines mounted a fourth-quarter comeback to narrow Taiwan’s lead to 80-74 before Chen hit a step-back jumper from behind the arc with 4 minutes, 17 seconds to go.
Just 14 seconds earlier, Justin Brownlee, the Philippines’ top scorer, fouled out, which, combined with Chen’s three-pointer, killed the Philippines’ momentum.
For Taiwan, Chen led all scorers with 34 points, including six three-pointers. Naturalized center Brandon Gilbeck contributed 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Lin Ting-chien and Robert Hinton each added 14 points.
Head coach Gianluca Tucci praised Taiwan’s effort and Chen’s leadership.
“He was outstanding, and the team gave him the space to perform,” Tucci said. “Even though we missed 21 offensive rebounds, we never stopped fighting.”
However, the post-game news conference was marred by controversy when the host mistakenly referred to Taiwan as “China Taipei” instead of “Chinese Taipei,” and also misidentified several coaches and players.
In response, the national basketball association said it would lodge a formal protest, demanding stricter oversight to prevent future incidents.
Taiwan was to play Iraq after press time last night.
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