The Chinese women's basketball team opened their FIBA Asia Cup title defense with a commanding 91-69 victory over South Korea in Shenzhen on Tuesday, powered by the towering duo of Han Xu and Zhang Ziyu. The Group B showdown saw both teams initially struggle offensively before China's height advantage proved decisive.
Slow Start, Strong Finish
A tense first quarter saw multiple missed opportunities from both sides, with China's early paint struggles countered by South Korea's errant shooting. Eighteen-year-old phenom Zhang Ziyu (226cm) entered midway through the period, immediately altering defensive calculations despite opponents targeting her lateral movement. South Korea's An He-ji electrified the crowd with a buzzer-beating three-pointer to narrow China's lead to 19-16.
Mid-Game Adjustments
Forward Luo Xinyu emerged as China's first-half catalyst, securing crucial offensive rebounds while facilitating ball movement. The game took a concerning turn when South Korean center Park Ji-su suffered a shoulder injury defending Zhang, though she returned after halftime treatment. China gradually found rhythm through Han Xu's mid-range efficiency and Zhang's rim protection, building a 45-34 halftime advantage.
Second-Half Surge
China's depth and conditioning shone after the break, with the Han-Zhang combination accounting for 22 of their 36 total points in the final two quarters. South Korea's perimeter shooting cooled significantly, managing only 35% from the field overall. The victory positions China favorably in Group B ahead of their clash with New Zealand on Wednesday.
