China impressively rebound with thrashing of Hong Kong

HONG KONG (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) – China have inched closer to a spot in the second round after a crushing 111-58 victory over winless Hong Kong in Group A action of the Asian Qualifiers.

China (3-1) impressively rebounded after their heartbreak loss at home to New Zealand on Friday. They led from the start and were paced by Ailun Guo's 15 points and 6 assists, while Duncan Reid had 16 points and 8 rebounds for an overmatched Hong Kong.

Coming into the match as hot favorites, China showed they were a class above from the get go as they scored the first 12 points of the contest within the opening three minutes. They led by 18 points after the first but Hong Kong impressively matched their formidable opponents in an evenly fought second quarter.

However, China thoroughly dominated the second-half and ratcheted up the defense to restrict Hong Kong to a measly 21 second-half points. There were plenty of highlight plays from China, particularly by a sweet-moving Guo.

In the third window, China and Hong Kong each host Korea and travel to New Zealand. China’s clash with the Tall Blacks could determine the winner of the group.

FIBA