In a thrilling display of skill and determination, China’s 3×3 basketball team made history at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore by finishing as runners-up. Led by the impressive performances of Guo Hanyu, Yan Peng, Zhang Dianliang, and Xiang Zhichao, the team emerged as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
Advancing as the top team from Pool B, China swept through the knockout rounds with a 19-11 win over Qatar in the quarterfinals and a 19-15 victory against Japan in the semifinals. This set the stage for a dramatic final against defending champions Australia.
Despite Australia leveraging their size and athleticism to establish an early 7-3 lead, the Chinese squad responded with resilience, leveling the score to 7-7 and later 11-11. A crucial layup by Zhang put China ahead at 15-14, and further efforts extended the lead to 17-15. When the score was tied at 19-19, Australia clinched the win with two decisive free throws, sealing a narrow two-point victory.
Although falling just short of the title, China’s achievement marks its best result in the Asia Cup to date, and the team has now secured qualification for the World Cup, set to begin on June 23 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Meanwhile, on the women’s side, China wrapped up the tournament in third place after a commanding 21-11 win over the Philippines.
This memorable tournament not only highlights the remarkable progress of China’s 3×3 basketball but also sets the stage for more exciting international competitions ahead.
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China finishes as men's runner-up at FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore
cgtn.com
