China's under-19 basketball team saw their FIBA World Cup hopes dim after a 99-86 knockout-stage loss to New Zealand, marking their fourth consecutive defeat in the tournament. The result sends the squad to consolation rounds competing for 9th-16th place rankings.
Early Promise Fades Quickly
The Chinese team opened strong with a 6-0 lead through aggressive defense, but momentum shifted dramatically as New Zealand locked down their offense. A seven-minute scoring drought limited China to just two additional points in the first quarter, ending the period trailing 24-13.
Defensive Pressure Takes Toll
New Zealand's intensified defense proved decisive, with China managing only two assists in the opening quarter. Center Zhang Luyuan provided rare highlights, sinking China's sole two-pointer during the early struggles. The gap widened to 20 points in the second quarter despite occasional rallies from the Asian squad.
Consolation Games Ahead
China now faces classification matches after finishing fourth in Group B with three preliminary losses. Their next opponents remain undetermined as teams regroup following Thursday's results. The tournament continues through Sunday in Debrecen, Hungary.
