JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – The FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals are here, and few would have predicted this matchup when the tournament tipped off. Iran have lived up to their pedigree, sweeping Group B to advance directly to the last eight. Chinese Taipei, meanwhile, have gone further than perhaps a number expected, riding the confidence from a gritty Qualification to Quarter-Finals win over Jordan to earn their shot at one of Asia’s most accomplished sides.
For both, the stakes are crystal clear: win and secure a Semi-Finals berth, or see the campaign end in Jeddah. Iran enter as favourites, having never lost to Chinese Taipei in FIBA Asia Cup history, but this Taipei squad has shown enough firepower to believe they can change that narrative.
Key matchup: Sina Vahedi vs Lin Ting-Chien
This duel between two young guards could define the night. Vahedi has been Iran’s main offenive engine in 2025, leading the team in scoring and delivering at least 15 points in every game so far. His poise, shot-making and ability to create under pressure make him a constant threat. Lin, on the other hand, is searching to recapture his early-tournament form. After averaging 18.0 points in Chinese Taipei’s first two games, his production has dipped to 8.0 in the last two. If he finds his scoring touch again, coach Gianluca Tucci's side's chances improve dramatically.
X-Factor: Matin Aghajanpour
When Aghajanpour’s shot is falling, Iran tend to dominate. In the two games where he shot 50.0% or better from the field, Team Melli won by an average of 32 points. In the one game he struggled, shooting under 30 percent, Iran had to grind out a narrow win over Japan. Taipei’s defene will need to find ways to disrupt his rhythm early.
Stats don’t lie
Taipei boast one of the tournament’s top rebounders in Brandon Gilbeck, yet they head into this matchup with a rebounding deficit on paper. Iran are averaging 7.5 more boards per game, a testament to their committee approach on the glass. If Taipei cannot close that gap, second-chance points could tilt the balance heavily toward the favourites.
Previous Asia Cup meetings
History leans decisively toward Iran. Team Melli are 7-0 against Chinese Taipei in FIBA Asia Cup play dating back to 2003. While several of those games were tightly contested, Taipei have yet to break through. A win here would not only snap that streak but also propel them into their first Semi-Finals since 2013.
For Iran, this is about maintaining momentum, keeping their record spotless and moving one step closer to reclaiming the crown. For Chinese Taipei, it’s the ultimate test of belief, a chance to topple a giant and rewrite their own FIBA Asia Cup story.
FIBA