In a must-win test ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup, China’s national squad flexed its muscles in Hangzhou, defeating Venezuela 77-49 and ending a five-game skid against the South American side.
The matchup opened with both teams trading missed shots, but China edged ahead 18-13 after Cheng Shuaipeng splashed a buzzer-beating three at the end of the first quarter.
Backcourt sparks fueled the second frame as veteran guard Zhao Rui drilled a pair of triples, while big men Hu Jinqiu and Yu Jiahao combined for eight points in the paint. China outscored Venezuela 19-9 to take a 37-22 lead into halftime.
After the break, the home team turned up the heat with efficient long-range shooting and stifling defense. A 14-0 surge, followed by an 8-0 blitz, expanded the cushion to 23 points (63-40). Four players — Hu, Zhao Rui, Yu, and Cheng — hit double digits before the third ended.
With victory secured, coaches emptied their benches early in the fourth, giving young prospects valuable minutes ahead of Friday’s rematch in Hangzhou.
The warm-up swing continues in Nanjing with back-to-back games against Bosnia and Herzegovina, before China heads to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the FIBA Asia Cup starting August 5. Drawn in Group C with Jordan, India, and Saudi Arabia, the team will look to build on its Hangzhou momentum.
Watch as China’s sharpshooters and rising stars chase a first Asia Cup title on foreign soil.
Reference(s):
China crush Venezuela 77-49 in Hangzhou warm-up ahead of FIBA Asia Cup
cgtn.com
