China’s U19 Basketball Team Falls to New Zealand 99-86 at FIBA World Cup
In a tough matchup at the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, China’s U19 team was defeated by New Zealand 99-86, exiting the tournament’s knockout phase and missing a spot in the quarterfinals.
China entered the round of 16 facing a strong New Zealand squad after finishing fourth in Group B, having lost all three of their group stage games. The Chinese team started the game aggressively, opening with a 6-0 run fueled by swift defensive counterattacks. However, New Zealand quickly adjusted, upping their defensive pressure and limiting China to just two points over a seven-minute stretch.
By the end of the first quarter, China trailed 24-13, with only two assists recorded and Zhang Luyuan scoring the team’s only two-pointer in the period. The deficit widened in the second quarter, with New Zealand leading by as much as 20 points. Despite efforts to rally in the final quarter, China was unable to close the gap, ultimately falling by a 13-point margin.
The loss means China’s U19 team will now compete in the 9th-to-16th-place classification games, aiming to finish the tournament on a high note. The team will look to regroup and build on their experiences as they continue to develop their young talent on the international stage.
