TPE - Tseng, proud Taipei 'never give up'

MANILA (FIBA Asia Championship/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Chinese Taipei coach Hsu Chin-tse was feeling incredibly proud of his team after their stunning 84-79 victory over the Philippines to cap off a near-perfect performance in the Preliminary Round of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship.

"This Chinese Taipei team never gives up," beamed the play-caller.

They easily could have, with 16,000 fans roaring their approval as the home team reeled in an 11-point Taipei lead in the second term, and then behind the remarkable shooting of Larry Fonacier established what appeared to be a game-winning break in the third.

"In the third quarter we were down 13, but we found a way to win the game," Hsu said.

"Just one line - never give up."

Following a narrow escape against Jordan and a regulation win over an inexperienced Saudi Arabia, few were expecting Taipei to withstand the pressure of the host nation, but Hsu pointed to the return of inspirational veteran Tseng Wen-Ting as a catalyst for his team.

"He has an injury so the first two games he played maybe 10 minutes, but tonight was very big, a most important game, and he told me he wanted to play (more)," Hsu said following the win over Philippines.

Tseng picked up nine points and five assists in the final 15 minutes as his team chased down their double-figure deficit, combining deadly jump-shots with strong drives and deft dishes to leave the Philippines defense without answers.

"I think the final quarter proved how much he can help us to win," Hsu said.

"He is very, very smart."

While the victory and Tseng's form have opened up the path to the Quarter-Finals, Hsu is not getting into the guessing game about who they will meet down the line, and he is making sure his players don't either.

"I tell them, one game and then another game, just keep going, don't worry about a choice of anyone," he cautioned.

For full and in-depth coverage of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, go to the official website http://manila2013.fibaasia.net.

FIBA