From Overtime Thriller to 20-Point Win, Chinese Women's Basketball Team Grows Through Challenges

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, September 8 (Reporters Su Bin and Zhao Jiantong) — During the group stage of the Women's Basketball World Cup, the Chinese women's basketball team experienced three completely different matches. From a heavy defeat against title favorite the United States in the opening game, to an overtime win over the Czech Republic, and then to leading throughout the game in a 20-point victory over Italy, this team in a key period of transition between generations has gradually grown on the World Cup stage.

Winning against the Czech Republic and Italy to achieve a better group ranking was the initial goal set by the Chinese women's basketball team. One opponent had been faced in the World Cup qualifiers in March, while the other had played China twice in warm-up matches before the World Cup. China began studying both teams after the group draw was confirmed.

On September 7, Chinese players celebrated after the match. Photo by Xinhua reporter He Canling.

Playing on consecutive days, with one narrow victory and one big win, showed the Chinese women's basketball team's adjustments in mentality, turnover control and outside shooting.

The match against the Czech Republic was especially important for China. The Chinese team had beaten the opponent by 10 points in the World Cup qualifiers, but the process was far from easy. Compared with that game, the Czech team was missing center Chekhova, who averaged 14.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, while Li Yueru missed this World Cup due to the unexpected loss of her passport, reducing China's interior strength.

Against the Czech Republic, Chinese players carried the pressure of wanting to win while fearing defeat. The clearest sign was the team's 29 turnovers, many of which were converted into fast-break points by the opponent.

The 2.23-meter Zhang Ziyu appeared less comfortable against the opponent's intense defense and scored only 3 points. Han Xu played more than 34 minutes and recorded a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Together with Yang Shuyu, she became a key factor in China's victory, providing an inside-outside combination.

On September 7, Chinese player Han Xu (right) attacks during the match. Photo by Xinhua reporter He Canling.

Those who help themselves are helped by fate. Zhang Manman and Luo Xinyi kept China's hopes alive with three-pointers at crucial moments, while Czech player Joklova missed both free throws, creating the opportunity for Yang Shuyu's layup that sent the game into overtime.

On September 7, Chinese player Yang Shuyu (second from left) makes a layup during the match. Photo by Xinhua reporter Zhang Haofu.

"In life, she is just a little girl." Han Xu's post-game defense of Zhang Ziyu's situation reduced some of the pressure on the 19-year-old prospect. Against Italy, the young center played with more decisiveness and composure. Her 8 points helped China extend its lead late in the first quarter and early in the second quarter. The return of the "little giant's" form reflected the Chinese women's basketball team's adjustment in mentality.

Italy nearly ended the United States' unbeaten run in recent World Cups in its previous group match and had also beaten China twice in recent warm-up games, giving it a psychological advantage. Facing a strong opponent, China played aggressively and confidently, firmly carrying out its planned tactics on both offense and defense, producing a positive result.

On September 7, Chinese player Yang Shuyu (center) is double-teamed by multiple opponents during an attack. Photo by Xinhua reporter He Canling.

Controlling turnovers was another key to China's victory. The team limited its turnovers to 13 in the game, while Italy scored 12 points off turnovers, far below the Czech Republic's 27 points.

During its World Cup training preparation, the Chinese women's basketball team emphasized high-intensity shooting, and this finally showed against Italy. In outside shooting, which had been inconsistent previously, China recorded a 42% shooting percentage, its highest in the three group games. Once the outside shots started falling, the pressure on Han Xu and Zhang Ziyu inside was reduced, improving their offensive efficiency and allowing the team to truly combine inside and outside play.

On September 7, Chinese players sing the national anthem before the match. Photo by Xinhua reporter Zhang Haofu.

Head coach Gong Luming described it as "the best game since preparation began," but the match has ended, and China will face Puerto Rico in the qualification round for the quarterfinals. Compared with facing Asian Cup champion and world No. 3 Australia, this is undoubtedly a better outcome. However, entering the knockout stage means stronger opponents and less room for error. China must fight hard and focus on details to continue advancing.

From the perspective of preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, young players gaining major tournament experience and improving themselves through tough games is more important than the result of a single match. The victory is certainly encouraging and will boost the team's confidence. It is hoped that the Chinese women's basketball team can turn this into stronger competitiveness and move step by step toward its goals.