Monday, July 22, 2002

Final Day - Taiwan beat S. Korea 84-72 to avoid last-place

Led by 202cm center Wu Chih-wei's 23 points and 10 rebounds, Taiwan NT saved the best performance for last, defeating South Korea 84-72 in a convincing win. Taiwan(2-5), who failed to defend its title, finished 7th place.

Taiwan outscored South Korea 28-14 in the 4th quarter to pull the game away. South Korea(1-6), last year's runner-up, dropped all the way to the last place. After the opening win, South Korea lost six straight.

Criticized by local fans for his soft play in the tournament, Wu Chih-wei was a changed man tonight, making 9 of 12 shots from the field and pulled down 10 boards. Chen Hsin-an also walked out from the slump and had a great game that includes 14 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. His ability to drive by defenders and pass to the open man proved to be one of the keys for the victory.

Forward Lee Chi-yi is still the most reliable big man for Taiwan NT, scoring 15 on 5-9 shooting, making all three of his free-throw attempts, plus 7 baords and 3 assists.

17-year-old little guard Lee Chi-ming successfully replaced two injured point guards, Yen Shin-shu and Chen Chih-chun, in 30 minutes of play. Lee, who had 9 points, 5 assists and 2 steals, withstood Koreans' full-court pressure beautifully.

Inspired by the rivalry with South Korea and the final chance to prove themselves in Jones Cup, Taiwan NT dominated the boards 45-30, shot 56% from the two-point range and limited South Korea to 33.3% shooting. Taiwan NT trailed 42-44 in halftime.

Lee Kyu-sup led South Korea with 22 points. Lim Jae-hyun was one of two double-digit scorers with 12 points.

*Game Summary
Taiwan 84-72 South Korea(42-44)
Tai - Wu Chih-wei 23p(9-12, 5-8)+10rb, Chen Hsin-an 14p+7rb+6a+1blk, Lee Chi-yi 15p(5-9, 3-3)+7rb, Yang Yu-ming 9p, Lee Chi-ming 9p+5rb+2a+2s, Chou Shi-yuan 8p+3s
Kor - Lee Kyu-sup 22p(6-14, 10-11), Lim Jae-hyun 12p, Sin Ki-sung 3p+3rb+4a+6s