Saturday, July 25, 2009

Jones Cup Men Day 8 - Taiwan upset Asian champ Iran

Tseng Wen-ting had a dunk, a block and two free-throws in the final minute as Taiwan upset defending Asian champion Iran 80-76 in the Jones Cup Saturday night.

Without starting center Hamed Hadadi, who was reported sitting out the game due to illness, Iran engaged in a dogfight with the home team. The score was tied 38-38 at the half and 76 all with 1:05 to go.

Tseng Wen-ting faked a give-and-go before driving in for a left baseline tomahawk dunk  to put Taiwan ahead by two. In the following possessions, Tseng blocked Iran's shot in the paint and was fouled on the offensive end.

He sank a pair of free-throws to put Taiwan ahead by four and Iran quickly called timeout with 8.5 seconds to go.

However, Iran didn't even have a chance for the final shot. The inbound pass was stolen by Taiwanese guard Chang Chih-feng.

Tseng had 23 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and two blocks in the game. Taiwan and Iran are now both 5-2.

This is definitely an inspiring win for Taiwan. But remember that Hadadi did not play and Jones Cup was used by participating teams as a tune-up tournament before the big prize -- the Asian Championship in Tianjin.

So, it's just a good win and that's it. Taiwanese fans should not get carried away because what happens in Tianjin is definitely another story.