China’s men’s 3×3 basketball team has made history by reaching the quarterfinals of the FIBA Men’s 3×3 World Cup for the first time. The thrilling victory unfolded in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where China edged out France with an 18-16 overtime win on Thursday.
Earlier in the day, China faced a setback with a 21-17 loss to Austria. This defeat put pressure on the team, making the match against France a must-win to secure the top spot in Pool C. Despite trailing for most of the game, Chinese players Guo Hanyu and his teammates showcased resilience, tying the score twice in the final moments.
In a nail-biting finish, France led 16-15 in the closing seconds. However, two technical fouls against France granted China a pair of free throws. While Wu Xingrui missed the first, Guo Hanyu sank the second, pushing the game into overtime.
During the untimed extra period, China seized the opportunity. Guo and Xiang Zhichao scored crucial points, sealing the 18-16 victory and propelling China into the last eight. The team now awaits the winner of the play-in game between Australia and Spain to determine their next opponent in the quarterfinals.
This landmark achievement marks a significant step for Chinese basketball on the global stage, inspiring fans and young athletes alike.
