🔥 In an electrifying exhibition match in Quzhou, Zhejiang Province, the Chinese men's national basketball team fought valiantly but fell short against Spain's Joventut Badalona, losing 70-65 on Wednesday night. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, packed with thrilling plays and dramatic turns! 🏀
China came out strong in the first quarter, with Wang Lanqin slicing through the defense for a smooth layup, putting the hosts ahead 17-10. The energy was palpable as fans cheered on, hoping for a victory. 🙌
But Joventut Badalona wasn't backing down. They battled back in the second quarter, testing China's resolve. Hu Mingxuan connected with Yang Hansen, reigniting China's momentum and keeping them in control. The crowd was loving the intense back-and-forth action! 🔥
As the third quarter heated up, the home team found themselves trailing by five. Enter Liao Sanning! With a clutch steal and a slam dunk, he not only pumped up the team but also notched a game-high 16 points for China. Talk about bringing the heat! 💪
The final quarter was edge-of-your-seat exciting. Badalona managed to widen the gap, with Yannick Kraag stealing and dunking to make it 67-59. Kraag, the Dutch international sensation, scored again, pushing their lead to 10 points with less than two minutes on the clock. He finished with 11 points, sealing the win for the Spanish side. 😮
Despite the loss, the Chinese team showcased heart and determination. Coach Guo Shiqiang reflected on the game, saying, \"There are three reasons for this loss. First, we made four mistakes in the last three-and-a-half minutes, two on defense and two on offense. Second, our concentration and ability to execute were poor in the closing minutes. Third, our free throw percentage was only 60%, which is too low.\"
The two teams are set for a rematch this Friday in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. Can't wait to see what happens next! Stay tuned for more basketball action! 🏀📣
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
