Taiwan men's basketball team loses to Iran at Asian Games, suffering first defeat in group stage

Taiwan men's basketball team lost to Iran. (Officially provided)

[Reporter Lu Yangxuan/Comprehensive Report] The Taiwan team was in the second game of the 5-on-5 men's basketball group stage of the Asian Games in Nagoya, Aiko today. Although captain Chen Yingjun scored 29 points, it was still reversed by Iran 69:72 in the end and suffered its first defeat in the group stage. Head coach Tucci said after the game that Iran is a very experienced team, but he also expressed dissatisfaction with the way the opponent physically collided.

Taiwan team not only stepped forward again with Chen Yingjun, but Yu Aizhe, who had not played in the previous game, also performed well from the bench, liberating the firepower of Chen Yingjun and Lin Tingqian. The Taiwan team led by as many as 11 points in the third quarter. Unfortunately, they failed to limit the opponent on the defensive end in the final quarter and lost by 3 points in the end. Naturalized center Gao Baikai graduated with two consecutive game fouls.

The Taiwanese team shot only 36% from the field today, 8 of 30 three-pointers, 27% from the field, and committed 14 turnovers in the game. Coach Tucci said after the game that the team did not feel good with three-pointers in this game, and there were some reluctant shots. In addition, the team failed to perform well in transition defense, return defense and frame protection, allowing the opponent to have easy layups. In addition, the inside players were in foul trouble, so it was difficult to perform at their best, but the team will focus on preparing for the next game.

Tucci pointed out that Iran played very smartly and knew how to control the rhythm of the game. It also converted the three-pointers and mistakes that the Taiwan team was forced to take into fast break opportunities. Tucci also mentioned, "Iranian players are experienced, but sometimes the way they play is dirty and they know how to draw fouls. I don't like the way they make physical contact. They flop too often."

Tucci emphasized that everyone makes mistakes on the court, including the coaching staff, players and referees. "But when you lose a game with only 3 points, every decision may become the key. Iran is ranked 4th in FIBA Asia, and we are ranked 11th. We also took the lead in the game. We are in a very difficult group. Now we must cheer up and play another exciting game tomorrow, hoping to win."

In addition, Fubon Warriors center Zeng Xiangjun fell to the ground in pain after colliding with an Iranian player under the basket in the third quarter. Tucci responded to Zeng Xiangjun's injury, "That was a serious foul. He injured his wrist after falling to the ground. We must further evaluate his condition. His wrist is very painful. The medical team is taking care of him. The latest information will be announced later."