MANGILAO, (RNZ PACIFIC) – The Guam men’s basketball team moved a step closer to an historic spot in the Asia Cup after beating Chinese Taipei 77-72 in the first of two final round qualifying games in Mangilao.
The game in Mangilao was the first of two final round qualifying games.
The visitors started the match stronger, racing out to a 25-16 lead after the first quarter, with Guam managing a three-point effort on the buzzer to help limit the damage.
The home side edged the second quarter by two points to cut the deficit to 45-38 at half-time and hit their stride after the interval, as they held Chinese Taipei to just nine third quarter points to give them a narrow lead heading into the final 10 minutes.
Guam held their nerve in the final quarter to give themselves a five-point buffer heading into the second qualifying leg on Saturday afternoon, again in Mangilao.
Coach EJ Calvo said the result was a big step forward but there was still a lot for them to do in the second leg.
