Averaging 21 years-old as a team, Taiwan NT was humiliated by Australia's Great Mates, which has 6 players over 35 years-old, 85-93, in the second day of the 2002 Jones Cup. Looking to defend its title, Taiwan NT now opens the tournament with an 0-2 record.
Taiwan was able to hang with the Great Mates in the first half, when they trailed 42-49 in the half. But Great Mates used its experience, offensive efficiency and inside advantage to pull the game away, leading as many as 20 points in the third quarter.
Knowing the game was out of reach, Taiwan head coach Lee Yun-kwang put in five players, all under the age of 21, in the final quarter. The youngsters managed to narrow the deficit with their speed and hustle, and also gave the fans something to cheer about.
Former NBL veteran Willie Simmons had 18 points on 9-12 shooting. Butch Hays had a perfect night, making all seven of his attempts and had 17 points.
Taiwan again reliedon its three-point attack, making 13 out of 36. Tien Lei broke out from his slump, collecting 18 points (4-8 3PT) and 6 boards. Yang Yu-ming had 14. Chen Hsin-an turned in another so-so perfrmance with 12 points. High school senior-to-be Wu Dai-hao had another solid game with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals in 17 minutes of play.
Led by former NT backcourt Chou Jun-san and Lo Hsin-liang, SINA escaped with an 84-81 victory over Canada in the first game of the day. SINA rallied in the third quarter behind two three-pointers by Lo Hsin-liang to take the lead and successfully put out Canada's final push. Lo had 17 in the game while Chou Jun-an handed out 6 assists.
Canada dominated the boards, 40-29, but was hurt by its 39.4% shooting. Frontlines Nick Magliceau and Reuben Hall both had double-double. Magliceau had 18 and 11 while Hall had 15 and 11. 2002 CIS playoffs MVP Stephen Parker had 16 points.
*Game Summary
Australia 93-85 Taiwan NT
Aus - Willie Simmons 18p(9-12), Butch Hays 17p(7-7), Trau Lindsiran 16p, Chris Brown 12p+9rb+5a
Tai - Tien Lei 18p+6rb, Yang Yu-ming 14p, Chen Hsin-an 12p
SINA 84-81 Canada
SINA - Lo Hsin-liang 17p, Huang Chun-hsiung 14p, Chou Jun-san 10p+6a
Canada - Nick Magliceau 18p+11rb, Reuben Hall 15p+11rb, Stephen Parker 16p, Ryan Baldry 12p