China improved to 2-2 in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, highlighted by a come-from-behind win over Chinese Taipei at the MOA Arena.
Though far from home, China got a big boost from a sizeable crowd cheering them on in a 100-93 win over Chinese Taipei in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena Sunday, March 1.
With the Chinese fans behind them, Team Dragon crawled back from 11 points down to complete a perfect second window, improving to a 2-2 mark.
Zhu Junlong led the team with 19 points, four rebounds, and two assists, but it was Hu Jinqiu and Rui Zhao who made the crucial free throws down the stretch.
After Li Hongquan tied it up at 93-all with 2:11 remaining in regulation, Rui and Jinqui combined for seven free throws to seal the victory.
Jinqui and Rui finished with 15 and 12 points, respectively for China, who also came from behind to beat Japan earlier this week.
China coach Shinqiang Guo couldn’t be any more proud of his squad’s character.
“China has a very good tradition. It has been passed down from the older players. China is very selfless… players are very patriotic so they fight for their country,” said Guo.
Meanwhile, Ray Chen paced Chinese Taipei with 26 points, three rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
Benson Lin had 22 points, while Brandon Gilbeck added 19 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks in a losing effort.
Chinese Taipei wraps up the window with a 1-3 win-loss mark.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.