In a captivating showdown that thrilled fans, China secured a 101-92 win over Japan in the third game of their FIBA Women's Asia Cup warm-up series in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province.
The game was highlighted by the stellar performances of Han Xu and Zhang Ziyu, both posting double-doubles with 18 points each, while Han Xu grabbed 11 rebounds and Zhang Ziyu collected 10. Guard Yang Shuyu also shined, contributing 17 points to keep the momentum going!
After a nail-biting start with China leading 26-25 after the first quarter, the team built on their advantage with Zhang Ziyu racking up 10 points in the second quarter to push the halftime score to 49-44. Japan, despite rallying with a series of fast-paced moves and sharp three-point shooting led by Mai Kawai's 13 points, couldn't quite close the gap.
The third quarter saw China surge with a 10-4 run, stretching their lead, although Japan briefly trimmed the deficit with a series of three-pointers. The final period was no less intense, as China responded to a narrowing gap with a decisive 9-2 run, sealing the win.
Coach Gong Luming noted, "Japan is actually a team with very prominent characteristics. They move fast and they are good at shooting from beyond the arc. We showed our advantages in height and strength, and what's more, all of the players had good performances on offense. However, we didn't deal with Japanese three-pointer shooters well. We will do some adjustments in the next game."
Both teams are set to meet again on Friday in Hefei, Anhui Province, promising more high-energy action on the court. Stay tuned and keep enjoying the game! 🏀
Reference(s):
China defeat Japan in FIBA Women's Asia Cup warm-up series in Xi'an
cgtn.com
