In an electrifying pre-Olympic warm-up match in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Japan's women's basketball team clinched a narrow victory over China, finishing 61-58 on Wednesday. 🏀🔥
The game tipped off with China taking an early 5-0 lead, thanks to a strong start from Zhang Ru. Luo Xinyu kept the momentum going, sinking back-to-back three-pointers that put the hosts ahead 20-13 by the end of the first quarter.
However, the tides began to turn in the second quarter. China's offense hit a rough patch, enduring over five minutes without scoring. Seizing the opportunity, Japan rallied back with Akaho Himawari leading the charge, eventually grabbing a two-point lead midway through the period. The teams headed into halftime all squared up at 31-31, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
China came back strong after the break, with Yang Shuyu nailing her first basket and giving her team a five-point cushion. But Japan wasn't backing down. Sharpshooters Mai Yamamoto and Evelyn Mawuli started hitting from downtown, slicing China's lead to just three points as they entered the final quarter.
The tension was palpable in the arena as Yamamoto and Saki Hayashi kept Japan's momentum alive, pushing their team to a 51-50 lead early in the fourth quarter. With just under four minutes left on the clock, Himawari Akaho extended Japan's advantage to seven points with an effortless layup.
China fought hard to close the gap in the dying minutes, but Japan held their ground, sealing the win in a matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats. 🎉
\"We've played four tough games consecutively,\" said China's head coach Zheng Wei. \"The busy schedule is a challenge for us.\"
The excitement isn't over yet! The two teams are set to face off again on the same court this Friday. Don't miss it! 🚀
Reference(s):
Japan edge China in women's basketball pre-Olympic warm-up series
cgtn.com
