Sunday, July 05, 2009

Taiwan NT beat 2nd NT in first warmup game

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Taiwan NT routed second NT 103-81 Saturday in the first warmup game of the three-game warmup series for the preparation of the 2009 Jones Cup men's competition, which will tip off on July 18.

The most impressive player in the game would be Jet Chang (Chang Tsun-hsien), who scored a game-high 32 points for 2nd NT. Chang is currently playing for NCAA Div-II BYU-Hawaii and was named Pacific West Conference freshman of the year last season.

Yang Che-yi and Lee Fong-yong each scored 14 points for Taiwan NT, who led by as many as 26 points.

Chang, who has an explosive first step and good jumping ability, admitted after the game that he did dominate the ball a little bit too much.

"But it's just the way it is in America. If you're not shooting the ball when the opportunities are there, coaches wouldn't put you on the floor the next time, " he told the media.

The press also mentioned the possibility for Chang to be included in the NT roster in the upcoming Asian Championship. Taiwan NT head coach Chung Kwang-suk said that the Jones Cup will be a good test for Chang.

"If Chang plays well against bigger and tougher opponents, he has a chance, " Chung said.

(Photo: Liberty Times)