TEHRAN (FIBA Asia Challenge 2016) – The all-amateur Philippine team provided a gritty challenge, but Chinese Taipei proved to be more poised in the endgame to prevail, 87-76, in the FIBA Asia Challenge 2016 in Tehran, Iran. Quincy Davis led dix Taipei players in double-digit scoring as they annexed their second win in as many games.

Turning Point: Gilas Pilipinas took a 5-point lead to the halftime break, but it was Chinese Taipei who came out stronger in the second half. Coach Yan Jia-Hwa’s wards managed to tie the game entering the fourth period and proceeded to methodically dismantle the Philippine defense. Taipei outscored Gilas, 15-5, in the first five minutes of the final frame to permanently wrest control and cruise the rest of the way.

Stats Don't Lie: The inexperience of the Filipinos at this level of play manifested itself in the disparity in fouls and free throws. Gilas committed 31 total fouls in the game, and this resulted in 46 free throws awarded to Chinese Taipei. Coach Yan’s players converted on 29 of these for a 63% success rate. On the other end, coach Josh Reyes’s team shot only 7-of-13 from the free throw line.

Game Hero: As expected, naturalized big man Quincy Davis dominated around the basket. The 2.03m center unloaded 19 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in a commanding performance. He also added 5 assists and 2 blocked shots to his tally, further underscoring his status as one of the tournament’s most productive players.

The Bottom Line: This loss pushed the Filipinos’ backs against the wall. Now they need to win at least two of their next three games to even stand a chance of making it to the Quarter-Finals. Chinese Taipei, meanwhile, have met expectations so far, but they will have stiffer challenges in the next round against the likes of China and Jordan.

FIBA