TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan defeated Qatar on Saturday in the 44th William Jones Cup by a final score of 82-63, likely securing a runner-up finish in the nine-team round robin tournament.

The win would mark the team's second consecutive runner-up finish in the Jones Cup. An early loss to the still unbeaten Philippines team entering the final day of play on Sunday assures the final standings.

Team Taiwan (Blue), comprised of national team players that competed in the most recent Asian Cup, was led by Taiwanese American Robert Hinton, who had 16 points, including several spectacular dunks. The team ran out to a double-digit lead in the second half on strong three-point shooting from Chen Ying-chun (陳盈駿) and Chen Yu-wei (陳又瑋), per CNA.

Brandon Gilbeck, a seven-foot (2.13 meter) naturalized player for Taiwan, also had a strong showing coming back from injury to play 20 minutes in this game, contributing 13 points and three rebounds.

Speaking to the media after the game, Gilbeck said that it took him some time to recover and get back to form before joining the Jones Cup. He thanked the coaching staff and teammates for their patience and said, "There was still some time to make adjustments before the Asian Cup."

Taiwan (Blue) head coach Gianluca Tucci said Gilbeck's statistics don't reveal his impact on the team, as he said his contribution was irreplaceable. "From the fact that he played for 20 minutes today and had a very high shooting percentage, we know that his condition is getting better and better."

The team has already won six consecutive games. On the final day of play, it will face Japan, which has lost two straight games and is expected to finish in the bottom half of the standings.