Guangdong's men's basketball team solidified its championship credentials with a commanding 93-65 victory over Zhejiang in the 15th National Games group stage on Saturday. The win secured Guangdong's top position in its group with an unblemished 3-0 record, advancing them to the quarterfinals as a leading title contender.
High-Stakes Showdown
Both teams entered the match undefeated, setting the stage for a fierce battle for group supremacy. Veteran forward Zhou Peng ignited Guangdong's momentum early with a three-pointer, while captain Zhao Rui delivered a standout performance with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Zhejiang's center Yu Jiahao fought valiantly, recording a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds, but struggled to contain Guangdong's relentless offense.
Team Depth on Display
Guangdong showcased its balanced roster, with guards Hu Mingxuan and Xu Jie each contributing 14 points. The co-host province's squad pulled away decisively in the second quarter, capitalizing on fast breaks and defensive stops to build an insurmountable lead.
Road to the Finals
The tournament's format sees the top two teams from each group and two best third-place finishers progress to the knockout stage. Guangdong's dominant performance positions them as favorites ahead of Thursday's quarterfinal matchups, while Zhejiang remains in contention for advancement.
