MK sports Korea 2025 in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province. China routed Japan 100-58, surpassing Japan to claim the top spot in Group C and securing their place in the FIBA Asia Cup finals. Photo: VCG" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-02-20/4449b6e7-2d12-469f-8351-d63aaa6aa386.jpeg" />

Chinese player Zhao Rui drives to the basket in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers match against Japan on February 20, 2025 in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province. China routed Japan 100-58, surpassing Japan to claim the top spot in Group C and securing their place in the FIBA Asia Cup finals. Photo: VCG

 
In a highly anticipated game on Thursday, the Chinese men's basketball team achieved a resounding 100-58 victory over Japan in a FIBA Asia Cup qualifier match in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, securing direct qualification for the 2025 Asia Cup.

The win also restored some pride for the national team, who was defeated by Japan in February 2024, the first time they had been defeated by Japan in a FIBA Asian-level competition in 88 years.

This time, the Chinese team, led by head coach Guo Shiqiang, fielded their strongest lineup, which included stars like Zhou Qi, Zhao Rui and Zhao Jiwei.

Right from the start, China took the initiative, leveraging their height and strength to establish an 8-0 lead. Japan, relying on their three-point shooting and fast breaks, managed to keep the score close in the first quarter, trailing 12-19. 

However, in the second quarter, the Chinese team's three-point shooters, such as Zeng Fanbo and Zhao Jiwei, found their rhythm, and they extended the lead to 16 points at one stage. Japan fought back, but China maintained a 50-33 lead at halftime.

In the second half, China continued to dominate on both ends of the court. Their defense held Japan scoreless for half a quarter, and they steadily increased their lead. Japan attempted to narrow the gap in the fourth quarter, but China's solid offense and stable defense ensured a comfortable victory.

The Chinese men's basketball team will go on to face Guam on Sunday. Given that Guam ranked third in the group with a 1-4 win/defeat record and 6 points, the Chinese team, with their current form and strength, is expected to maintain their dominance. 

The Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5 to 17.