Taiwan's hoops team crushes Qatar, advances to Asian Games quarterfinals

Taipei, Sept. 13 (CNA) Taiwan's men's basketball team drained 17 three-pointers in a 91-69 rout of Qatar on Sunday, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Asian Games being held in Japan.

The lopsided victory was largely powered by the team's precision long-range shooting while competing under the name Chinese Taipei.

Of the 17 three-pointers, seven came in the opening quarter, giving Taiwan an early 26-12 lead.

Boosted by 40 percent shooting from long range, Team Taiwan also held an edge over Qatar in assists (26-13), committed fewer turnovers (6-14) and steals (9-3).

Taiwan shooting guard Lin Ting-chien (林庭謙) scored a game-high 21 points, including five three-pointers. Naturalized center Grandon Gilbeck added 12 points, nine rebounds and two steals.

With a 2-1 record, Taiwan finished second in Group A, while group winner Iran also advanced to the final eight.

A total of 12 teams in the Asian Games men's basketball competition are divided into three groups, with the top two finishers in each one advancing to the quarterfinals.

Taiwan's best results in the Asian Games came in 2018 and 2022, when its men's basketball team finished fourth on both occasions.