Chinese Taipei turns back Saudi Arabia, faces Philippines next

CHENG Ju Lu vs ALMUWALLAD Aymam and ALHWSAWI Mustafa. Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Chinese Taipei banked on its hot shooting to repel Saudi Arabia, 90-67, in the second day of the 27th FIBA-Asia men’s Championship Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Taiwanese five went 17-of-38 from the three-point area with seven of their triples coming from Cheng Ju Lu alone.

Cheng Ju Lu caught fire as he torched the Saudis, who lost to host Philippines, 66-78, Thursday night, with 25 points on nine-of-14 shooting from the field.

Coming off a big win over Jordan, Chinese Taipei picked up where it left off as it got off to a strong start and led, 31-14, at the end of the opening quarter and never relented.

Next up for Taipei is an awaited encounter with Gilas Pilipinas Saturday night.

The Nationals though, can’t look ahead of it yet. Not with a crucial tiff against Jordan later.

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