Chinese basketball guys overcome Chinese Taipei in Asian preliminary

Zhai Xiaochuan (R) of China strives to the basket during the men's basketball preliminary round match against Chinese Taipei at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, Sept 25, 2014. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)

After suffering all losses to Chinese Taipei in their last three encounters, Chinese men's basketball team finally got a sweet victory after edging past their opponents 59-58 in Incheon Asian Games preliminary on Thursday.

Zhou Peng and Wang Zhelin shared game-high 12 points. Zhao Tailong and Zhai Xiaochuan added seven points apiece.

Tasting two consecutive victories, China advanced into next phase with a top position in Group C, while the title favorite Chinese Taipei was eliminated after suffering a two-game skid.

"It's like playing in the final, while it's a good experience for young Chinese squad," commented Chinese head coach Gong Luming.

Chinese Taipei cut the deficit within just one point early in the last period, before Wang Zhelin made two free throws to end China's long-time barren run with 5:47 to go.

China had a comfortable four-point lead on Dingyan Yuhang's three-pointer, before their opponents stepped up their defense and made the score 58-59 with five seconds remaining, when China had a turnover to give the ball possession back to Chinese Taipei.

Chinese Taipei center Tseng Wen Ting missed his second chance in the paint field at the buzzer, giving lucky China their first win in last four head-to-head competitions.

"They are a young team, and it's their first appearance on the major tournament. Opportunity and confidence is needed for them, and they can become better in the future," said Chinese Taipei player Lin Chih Chieh.

China opened the scoring account on captain Zhou Peng's five points in a row. Point guard Guo Ailun made two layups with his advantage of speed, giving China a 17-10 lead as the first quarter ran out.

China's margin was extended to as many as 11 points early in the second period, while that was erased little by little by Chinese Taipei, thanks to efforts of their center Chou Po Chen, in the place of Quincy Davis before the tournament kicked off. After Tien Lei hit beyond the arc, Chinese Taipei tasted their first lead after the tip-off on 22-21 after a 12-0 run. China led by 30-22 into the halftime and finally tasted the victory.

"Although it's a narrow win, it's of much benefit to their future," said Gong.