🏀 Big night in Jeddah! The Chinese mainland bulldozed past New Zealand 98–84 to book their spot in the FIBA Asia Cup final for the first time in a decade. 🎉
Once the kings of the continent with 16 titles, the team stumbled in 2017 and 2022, failing to reach the quarterfinals. But on Thursday, they shook off the slump by downing South Korea 79–71, setting the stage for this epic semifinal showdown. 💪
From tip-off, captain Zhao Rui came out firing. A slick pass set up Hu Jinqiu’s layup, and Zhao’s solo eight-point burst gave the Chinese mainland a 10–7 edge. Then Gao Shiyan, Liao Sanning and Lei Meng fueled a 13–0 blitz, closing Q1 at a comfy 28–19. 🔥
New Zealand fought back in Q2 with tough defense, rattling off a 9–0 run to tighten the score to 42–40 at halftime. But the Chinese mainland regrouped, controlling the boards and pacing the game to seal the victory. ⏱️
Now all eyes turn to the final, where the 16-time champions will chase glory and reclaim their throne. Can they end the decade-long wait with one more win? Stay tuned! 👀
Reference(s):
China beat New Zealand, make FIBA Asia Cup final again after 10 years
cgtn.com
