BASKETBALL/Taiwan reaches FIBA Asia Cup qualifying tournament with Philippines win

Taipei, Feb. 21 (CNA) Taiwan's men's basketball team advanced to the six-team qualifying tournament for the 2025 Saudi Arabia FIBA Asia Cup after defeating the Philippines 91-84 in Taipei Thursday.

The victory marked Taiwan's first win against Gilas Pilipinas since 2016, avenging a 53-point drubbing in Pasig, Philippines, nearly a year ago.

Gianluca Tucci, Taiwan's head coach, praised the team's dedication in preparation for the game, emphasizing that the win was well-deserved.

"I don't really see this as a surprise because I deeply believe in my team. And if you see how hard they work [and] train, you can consider [this win the same way] as [I do]," said Tucci, who was appointed just a year ago.

Despite Justin Brownlee's dominant 39-point, eight-assist performance for the Philippines, Taiwan remained composed and held firm down the stretch.

Lin Ting-chien (林庭謙) and Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga led the scoring with 21 points each, supported by Lu Chun-hsiang (盧峻翔) and Ma Chien-hao (馬建豪) who combined for 32 points.

Taiwan's Brandon Gilbeck also made a significant defensive impact with five blocks.

"It's fantastic to see multiple players step up and contribute offensively," said Lin, who also recorded seven rebounds and five assists.

Lin credited captain Liu Cheng (劉錚) for energizing the team defensively, despite his scoreless outing.

The defeat marked Gilas' first loss in the group stage, prompting the Philippines' head coach Tim Cone to take responsibility while acknowledging Taiwan's progress over the past year.

"We knew they were going to be much improved from the last time we played them, but they were even better than we thought. That's on me. No doubt, I should have prepared us better," Cone wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.

With the Philippines and New Zealand leading Group B with a 4-1 record, the two teams will compete for first place in Auckland on Sunday.

The already-eliminated Hong Kong will host Taiwan in its final group-stage game on Sunday.

Taiwan will continue its quest for an Asia Cup berth in the upcoming tournament for the six third-place teams from the first qualifying round later this year.