Wednesday, August 21, 2002

Taiwan NT blasted by Philippines in first warmup game

Without the service of Chen Hsin-an, who decided to drop out of NT to attend the Sacramento Kings pre-season training camp, Taiwan NT was like a collection of lost souls tonight at Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City. Taiwan was blasted by Phillipines NT, 95-59, in the first of two warmup games.

Tien Lei scored nine points in the first quarter to power Taiwan to a 21-20 lead, the last time they were in front. Trailing 21-22 in the end of the first quarter, Taiwan NT went into a nightmarish slump, managing to score 5 and 9 points respectively in the second and third quarter.

In the end of third, Philippines has jumped to an unbelievable 72-35 lead. Tien Lei had 16 of Taiwan's 35 points. The last 12 minutes became meaningless garbage time, with more than 10,000 hometown fans cheering for the host.

Paul Taulava led the Philippines with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Eric Menk had 15 points and Danny Ildefonso 12 points. Taiwan was led by Tien Lei's 18 points and Chou Hong-yu's 13.

Taiwan NT will face Philippines again on Aug.22, in Ynares Center, Antipolo City. After the two-game series with Philippines NT, they will play four additional games with local teams before heading back to Taiwan on Aug.30.