Taipei Times
Date: Jun 30, 2018
By: Jason Pan  /  Staff reporter

Despite putting on a good fight, Taiwan were yesterday defeated 71-93 by the Philippines in their Asia Zone Group B qualifier for next year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup.

With the support of a boisterous home crowd, Taiwan started off with hot shooting for a quick 12-4 lead and led 19-16 at the end of the first quarter.

However, visiting Gilas Pilipinas seized the momentum and settled down with a pressure defense to deny the hosts, then surged ahead with 28 points in the second quarter to take a 44-37 lead at halftime.

After the break, Taiwan tried to hit back, but the Philippines maintained their advantage and dominated under the posts, leading the close game 68-60 at the end of the third quarter.    [FULL  STORY]