TIANJIN (FIBA Asia Championship) Wild card entrants Chinese Taipei gave defending champions Iran a scare before succumbing to their rivals’ size last night.
But on Friday, against Kuwait, there was no such trouble and the East Asian nation notched up their first win of the Championship cantering through 73-51.
Both the teams are now locked 1-1 in Group B. On Saturday, Kuwait take on Iran and Taipei play against Uzbekistan.
Yang Chin-Min led the Taipei charge with his game-high 24 points.
Yang scored nine points, thrice assisted by Su I-Chieh and helped Su once as Taipei pulled away midway through the first quarter with a 13-0 spree that perched them firmly ahead in the game.
That was the only success Su had in terms of scoring, but he returned a game-high six assists.
Chang Chi-Feng and Lee Hsueh-Lin chipped in with 11 points each.
Kuwait, after beating Uzbekistan last night, can keep their hopes alive despite this defeat unless an upset takes place.
Mohammad Ashkanani was their leading scorer with 13 points.
S Mageshwaran
FIBA Asia