Thrilling fans across Asia, China's men's basketball team cruised to a 90-68 win over Jordan at the FIBA Asia Cup, finishing atop Group C and advancing directly to the quarterfinals.
The game opened with a stunning 17-0 run by China that set the tone early. Although Jordan rallied to narrow the gap to 47-38 by halftime, China regained control in the third quarter and never looked back.
"We executed our game plan very well, especially in the second half. It started from defense as we contained their key players and stayed prepared for adversity," said Cheng Shuaipeng, who led China with 20 points. "Our ultimate goal is to step onto the podium. Finishing top of our group is the first small target we've achieved."
Guard Hu Mingxuan chipped in 14 points and six assists, while Zhao Rui poured in 15. Center Hu Jinqiu anchored the paint with a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double, including a key layup that pushed the lead to 20 with just under seven minutes remaining.
Jordan fought hard, with Dar Tucker scoring a game-high 27 points and Ahmad Alhamarsheh adding 11, but they couldn’t overcome China's hot start and defensive intensity.
The FIBA Asia Cup field features 16 teams in four groups, with group winners advancing directly to the quarterfinals and second- and third-place finishers heading to the playoffs. With three straight wins, China tops its group and now eyes the final eight, aiming for that podium finish.
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China cruises past Jordan 90-68, into FIBA Asia Cup last eight
cgtn.com
