(by Eurobasket News)
Taiwan U16 - Japan U16 71:66
Taiwan earned the fifth overall position in the U16 Asia Championship that just finished in Malaysia. Taiwan outscored Japan on the final day of the tournament. Yang Hsing-Chih knocked down 20 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead Taiwan.
Taiwan led right from the start as they ensured a 17:10 advantage at the first break. Japan managed just 8 points in the second period and trailed by 19 points at halftime. But the second half belonged to Japan. They went on a comeback rally and almost denied the deficit. Taiwan needed some luck to escape with a narrow win at the end.
Kao Po-Yu had 19 points and 11 boards in the win. Ryo Tawatari responded with 18 points for Japan. Tsukasa Tano notched 13 points, 6 boards and 4 assists in the victory.
Taiwan: Yang Hsing-Chih 20, Kao Po-Yu 19+11 boards
Japan: Ryo Tawatari 18, Tsukasa Tano 13
FINAL RANKINGS
1. China
2. Korea
3. Iran
4. Philippines
5. Taiwan
6. Japan
7. Syria
8. Jordan
9. Kazakhstan
10. India
11. Malaysia
12. Bahrain
13. Kuwait
14. Singapore
15. Saudi Arabia
16. Thailand
PS: China defeated South Korea 104-69 in a blowout win to claim the crown.