Taiwan Mounts Dramatic Comeback to Defeat South Korea in World Cup Qualifiers

Taiwan's national basketball team achieved a dramatic 82-80 overtime victory against host South Korea in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers. The team showcased incredible resilience, overcoming a deficit that reached 19 points during the game.

Taiwan struggled in the first half, shooting just 37.9% from the field and a dismal 3-of-14 from beyond the arc, trailing 30-41 at halftime. South Korea extended their lead in the third quarter, taking a 65-49 advantage into the final period.

Despite the pressure from a home crowd, Taiwan mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter. Chen Ying-Chun scored seven quick points, and substitute You Ai-Che provided crucial control. Taiwan rallied with a 21-4 run to take the lead, but South Korea's Lee Woo-seok hit a three-pointer to regain the advantage. After Chen Ying-Chun fouled out, Kao Po-kai made two free throws to tie the game. Lee Jung-hyun then hit a go-ahead three, only for Lin Ting-chien to sink a game-tying three with eight seconds left, forcing overtime.

In the extra period, Kao Po-kai and Lin Ting-chien led the scoring for Taiwan. After Lee Jung-hyun made two free throws to put South Korea ahead, a subsequent turnover allowed Ma Jian-hao to score the go-ahead basket. Kao Po-kai secured the win with a crucial block in the final moments, sealing the 2-point victory.

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Taiwan's national basketball team staged a remarkable comeback against South Korea in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.