Team China wrapped up their FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup journey with a heart-pounding 81-77 victory over Cameroon in Lausanne, securing 13th place overall. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with clutch three-pointers and last-minute free throws keeping fans on the edge of their seats! 🌟
Game Highlights: Tension Until the Buzzer
China led 41-40 at halftime, but Cameroon surged ahead in the third quarter. Stars Chen Jiazheng and Zhang Boyuan kept hopes alive with critical three-pointers, narrowing the gap to 60-58. The final quarter saw China rally with a 5-0 run, but Cameroon fought back hard. A controversial screening foul nearly turned the tide—until Zhang Boyuan redeemed himself with ice-cold free throws in the final seconds. 🎯
Tournament Journey: Bouncing Back
After a tough group stage (losses to Canada, Germany, and Slovenia) and a knockout loss to New Zealand, Team China entered the classification rounds. A dominant 97-78 win against Jordan gave them momentum before sealing 13th place. While the U.S. took home the 🏆, China’s resilience shone through!
What’s Next for Youth Basketball?
Though finishing 13th out of 16 teams, China’s young squad showed grit and growth. With rising talents like Chen and Zhang, the future looks bright for hoops in the region. 🚀 Stay tuned for more global sports updates!
Reference(s):
Team China finish 13th at FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, USA win title
cgtn.com