China’s women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance, defeating Indonesia 110-59 in their opening game of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup on Sunday.
All 12 players scored in a showcase of depth and talent. Despite a few early hiccups from a revamped starting lineup, the defending champions quickly found their rhythm. Center Han Xu spearheaded the offense, using her height and vision to create scoring opportunities.
Indonesia struggled offensively after Kim Pierre-Louis hit an opening jumper. A prolonged scoring drought ensued until Faizzatus Shoimah sank a three-pointer. Meanwhile, China’s 18-year-old sensation Zhang Ziyu entered the game midway through the first quarter. The 226cm center made an immediate impact on both ends of the floor, helping China secure a commanding 49-20 lead by halftime.
In the second half, China continued to dominate. Plays were designed to feed Zhang near the basket, where she proved nearly unstoppable. Guard Yang Shuyu energized the team by aggressively attacking the rim in the third quarter. By the end of the period, China had extended the lead to 47 points.
Seven Chinese players finished in double figures. Yang Liwei, Luo Xinyu, and Zhang Ziyu each contributed 13 points, while Han Xu added 12 points and six rebounds in just 17 minutes. Indonesia’s Pierre-Louis led all scorers with 16 points.
China had assembled a 28-player training camp in mid-April, featuring new talents. They played six warm-up games against top Asian opponents, including Australia and Japan, finishing with a 5-1 record ahead of the tournament in Shenzhen.
Concerns arose when star guard Li Meng withdrew due to injury in June, and key center Li Yueru was absent, playing in the WNBA with the Dallas Wings. However, Zhang Ziyu’s impressive senior national team debut provided a timely boost. In just under 12 minutes off the bench, the reigning FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup MVP tallied 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists.
“She has a unique talent, but this first tournament will be a challenge,” head coach Gong Luming said of the rising star. “She still needs more games and time to adapt to FIBA basketball.”
Coach Gong described the team’s performance as “okay” for their opener, noting that the game was an opportunity to test different lineups and help newcomers adjust to international play. “The rotations and tactics we tried tonight weren’t aimed at any specific opponent—we’re focusing on ourselves first,” he added.
