Taiwan advance to Asian Games quarter-finals

Taiwan’s men’s basketball team yesterday drained 17 three-pointers in a 91-69 rout of Qatar, advancing to the quarter-finals of the Asian Games in Japan.

The lopsided victory was largely powered by the team’s precision long-range shooting.

Of the 17 three-pointers, seven came in the opening quarter, giving Taiwan an early 26-12 lead.

Taiwan’s Lin Ting-chien, second left, leaps for a layup against Qatar as teammate Lu Chun-hsiang looks on during their Group B match at the Asian Games at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan, yesterday.

Photo courtesy of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee via CNA

Boosted by 40 percent shooting from long range, Taiwan also held an edge over Qatar in assists (26-13), committed fewer turnovers (6-14) and steals (9-3).

Taiwan shooting guard Lin Ting-chien scored a game-high 21 points, including five three-pointers. Naturalized center Brandon Gilbeck added 12 points, nine rebounds and two steals.

With a 2-1 record, Taiwan finished second in Group B, while group winner Iran also advanced to the final eight.

Taiwan edged Jordan 83-80 in their opening group game on Thursday, but lost 72-69 to Iran on Saturday.

Iran yesterday beat Jordan 81-68.

Twelve teams divided into three groups are competing in the men’s basketball competition at the Asian Games, with the top two finishers in each group advancing to the quarter-finals.

In yesterday’s Group A games, Saudi Arabia beat Indonesia 100-89 and South Korea beat Japan 100-83.

Group C would play their final two games today.

Taiwan’s best results in the Asian Games were in 2018 and 2022, when the men’s basketball team finished fourth on both occasions.