MANILA, Philippines – The Taiwanese men’s basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 100-93 defeat to China in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on Sunday, February 24, 2026, despite a stellar performance from Chen Ying-chun. The loss dashed hopes of replicating the “Manila Miracle” of 2013, a reference to Taiwan’s stunning upset victory over China in the same city thirteen years prior. The game, played at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, Philippines, saw Taiwan leading for much of the contest before a late surge from the Chinese team sealed the victory.
Chen Ying-chun led all scorers with 26 points, showcasing his offensive prowess throughout the game. However, his efforts weren’t enough to overcome China’s collective strength and a crucial fourth-quarter comeback. Taiwan had built a lead of as many as 11 points, fueled by aggressive play and accurate shooting, but China responded with increased defensive pressure and a series of key baskets down the stretch. The game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading leads and momentum shifts throughout the first three quarters.
Taiwan’s Strong Start and China’s Response
Taiwan’s strong start was largely attributed to the dynamic duo of Chen Ying-chun and Lin Wei-han. According to reports from United News Network, the team’s early success was built on aggressive drives to the basket and effective three-point shooting. However, China adjusted their defensive strategy in the second half, focusing on containing Chen and forcing other Taiwanese players to take shots. This adjustment proved pivotal, as Taiwan struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm in the face of increased defensive intensity.
China’s comeback was spearheaded by their own star players, who capitalized on Taiwan’s late-game fatigue and defensive lapses. The Chinese team’s ability to secure crucial rebounds and convert second-chance points proved to be a significant factor in their victory. The game ultimately came down to execution in the final minutes, and China demonstrated a greater composure and efficiency in closing out the contest.
Echoes of the 2013 “Manila Miracle”
The game carried significant emotional weight for Taiwanese fans, who remembered the improbable victory over China in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship held in Manila. That win, often referred to as the “Manila Miracle,” was a watershed moment for Taiwanese basketball, and hopes were high that the team could replicate that success. ETtoday News reported on the anticipation surrounding a potential repeat of that historic upset. However, despite a valiant effort, Taiwan ultimately fell short of achieving that goal.
Looking Ahead for Taiwan
Despite the disappointing result, the Taiwanese team demonstrated resilience and competitiveness throughout the tournament. Chen Ying-chun’s outstanding performance was a bright spot, and the team’s overall effort showcased their potential for future success. The team will now focus on preparing for their next qualifying matches, aiming to build on their experiences and improve their chances of securing a spot in the FIBA World Cup. The team’s coaching staff will likely analyze the game footage to identify areas for improvement, particularly in terms of late-game execution and defensive consistency.
The loss serves as a valuable learning experience for the Taiwanese team, highlighting the importance of maintaining composure and executing effectively under pressure. While the dream of replicating the “Manila Miracle” remains unfulfilled, the team’s determination and talent suggest that they will continue to be a competitive force in the FIBA Asia region. The next steps for the team involve continued training and preparation for upcoming qualifying games, with the ultimate goal of representing Taiwan on the world stage.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to observe how the team responds to this setback and whether they can build on their strengths to achieve their long-term goals. The road to the World Cup is challenging, but the Taiwanese team has demonstrated the potential to overcome obstacles and compete with the best in Asia.
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