China's FIBA U19 World Cup journey hit a roadblock Monday as they fell 99-86 to New Zealand in a high-stakes knockout match. The loss ends their quarterfinal dreams, sending the squad to compete in 9th-16th place consolation games instead. 🏆➡️😢
After a rocky group stage where Team China lost all three matches, they faced tournament dark horses New Zealand – who topped their group undefeated. The game started strong for China with a 6-0 defensive counterattack blitz, but momentum shifted dramatically when New Zealand locked down their offense. At one point, China scored just 2 points in seven grueling minutes! ⏱️💔
Despite Zhang Luyuan's clutch two-pointer keeping hopes alive in the first quarter, China trailed 24-13 early. The gap ballooned to 20 points in the second quarter before China mounted multiple comeback attempts. A late fourth-quarter rally fell short, with several missed opportunities sealing their 13-point defeat. 📉➡️📈➡️❌
Next up: The squad will regroup for consolation matches starting Thursday. Can they bounce back and climb the rankings? Stay tuned! 👀🇨🇳 #BallIsLife
