In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, China’s women’s basketball team secured a 101-92 victory over Japan in the third game of their FIBA Women’s Asia Cup warm-up series on Wednesday in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province.
Frontcourt stars Han Xu and Zhang Ziyu led the charge for China, each recording impressive double-doubles. Han tallied 18 points and 11 rebounds, while the 16-year-old sensation Zhang matched her with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Yang Shuyu added a notable 17 points to boost the team’s offensive power.
Despite Japan missing some of their top players, they put up a fierce fight. Mai Kawai was the standout for Japan, leading her team with 13 points. The Japanese squad showcased their characteristic speed and long-range shooting, keeping the game competitive throughout.
China Seizes Early Lead
The game started off neck and neck, with China edging ahead 26-25 by the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Zhang Ziyu dominated the court, scoring 10 points and helping China extend their lead to 49-44 at halftime.
Midway through the third quarter, China launched a 10-4 run, widening the gap to 14 points. However, Japan responded swiftly, sinking five three-pointers to cut the deficit to 10 points as they headed into the final period.
Holding Off Japan’s Rally
Japan continued to challenge China’s lead, narrowing the margin to just seven points in the fourth quarter. But China remained resolute, launching a decisive 9-2 run to regain control and secure the win.
“Japan is a team with very distinct characteristics,” remarked China’s coach Gong Luming after the game. “They move fast and excel at shooting from beyond the arc. We leveraged our advantages in height and strength, and I’m pleased with our offensive performance.”
However, Coach Gong acknowledged areas for improvement. “We didn’t handle their three-point shooters as well as we could have. We’ll make adjustments in the next game,” he added.
Looking Ahead
China’s victory comes after last year’s back-to-back defeats against Japan in similar warm-up matches in Xi’an. Guard Li Yuan had emphasized the team’s determination to prepare thoroughly for this game, regardless of Japan’s lineup changes.
The two teams are set to clash again on Friday in Hefei, the capital of east China’s Anhui Province, as they continue their preparations for the upcoming FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.
