In Dongguan on the Chinese mainland, Guangdong made its mark last Wednesday, November 12, by overwhelming Zhejiang 101-65 to capture the mens basketball gold at Chinas 15th National Games. It was Guangdongs first title in 12 years and its third overall.
The co-hosts jumped out to an early lead, closing the first half up 53-42 behind guard Xu Jies sharpshooting. Xu drilled four triples before halftime and finished with 18 points and nine assists, providing a blueprint for Guangdongs balanced attack.
Zhejiang, hampered by the loss of center Yu Jiahao to an overseas contract and the absence of forward Liu Zeyi, kept pace early and trailed by just one point after the first quarter. Zhang Hongshuos go-ahead three in the second period briefly swung momentum Zhejiangs way.
After the break, Guangdong turned up the intensity with a punishing full-court press, limiting Zhejiang to 11 third-quarter points and opening the floodgates. Veteran Wang Ruize, making his National Games debut at age 30, added 16 points and celebrated his first major gold medal.
For coach Du Feng, the victory was deeply personal. A gold medalist as a player in 2009, he returned to the helm in 2013 and has now guided Guangdong to back-to-back National Games titles. The triumph cements his standing among the Chinese mainlands most accomplished coaches.
Guangdongs win underlines the power of depth, cohesion and clutch execution—principles that resonate far beyond the court. As the 15th National Games proceed, other provinces will look to emulate this winning formula.
Reference(s):
Guangdong wins 1st men's basketball gold at National Games in 12 years
cgtn.com
