The Chinese men's basketball team opened their 2025 FIBA Asia Cup campaign with a hard-fought 93-88 victory over tournament hosts Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Tuesday. The Group C clash saw China navigate intense pressure from a spirited home crowd to secure their first win in the competition.
Hu Jinqiu led the scoring with 20 points, while guard Zhao Rui contributed 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists. Despite building a 15-point lead early, China faced a resilient Saudi Arabian squad that narrowed the gap to five points in the second half. The 16-time champions ultimately held firm, showcasing tactical discipline under coach Guo Shiqiang.
"Our players stayed focused and executed the game plan for the full 40 minutes," Guo said post-match. "Facing a host team in the opener is always challenging, but this win reflects our preparation."
Hu emphasized the need for adaptability: "Saudi Arabia pressured us throughout, but we leveraged our strengths. This experience will help us improve in upcoming games."
China next plays India on Thursday as they pursue a record-extending 17th FIBA Asia Cup title.
