China's national basketball team staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Chinese Taipei 100-93 in Manila on Sunday, securing their second consecutive victory in Asian Group B qualifiers for the upcoming 2027 FIBA World Cup. The high-stakes match saw both teams exchange leads multiple times before China's decisive fourth-quarter push.
After establishing early momentum with Zhao Jiwei's transition three-pointer, China faced fierce resistance from Chinese Taipei's Chen Ying-chun. The Beijing Ducks guard ignited a second-quarter rally, sinking critical shots to give his team a narrow 51-50 halftime advantage. Shanghai Sharks veteran Liu Cheng further energized Chinese Taipei with timely perimeter shooting.
The third quarter featured highlight-reel plays from both sides, including Chen's acrobatic and-one layup that showcased his game-high 26-point performance. However, China's depth proved decisive in the final minutes as they overcame a 77-71 deficit through coordinated team play.
This victory follows China's 87-80 win against Japan earlier in the week, positioning them strongly in the qualification race. Analysts note the result underscores growing competitiveness in Asian basketball ahead of the 2027 global tournament.
