BEIRUT (Lebanon) - China sure won't have any shortage of motivation as they head into an all-important Window 3 for the crew in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
Group B
February 20
Guam versus Mongolia - 07:30 PM (GMT+10) - Mangilao (GUM) China versus Japan - 07:30 PM (GMT+8) - Shenzhen (CHN)
February 23
Mongolia versus Japan - 01:00 PM (GMT+8) - Ulaanbaatar (MGL) Guam versus China - 05:00 PM (GMT+10) - Mangilao (GUM)
Right in the first day of next week's games, Team Dragon will finally have the chance to score some payback as they host Japan at the Shenzhen Sports Center.
It's a meeting that fans and pundits alike have been looking forward to, more so the players after suffering a stunning 76-73 upset in Tokyo back in the Qualifiers' first window that ended their years-long mastery over a fellow powerhouse.
But aside from exacting revenge, the charges of Coach Guo Shiqiang really want to come out victorious to secure the second Asia Cup qualifying berth from their pool.
A program that's been succeeding tremendously, the AKATSUKI JAPAN booked the first ticket via Group C last November as they went 4-0 after two windows.
Definitely, they want to keep their winning ways, let alone repeat against China in their rematch. But it's not lost on them that it would be easier said than done, as they will be taking on team that's been on a roll since that shocker of a loss.
The Chinese swept both of their matches back in Window 2 - first a 101-53 victory over Guam before following it up with another rout of Mongolia, 90-52.
But what if the winningest Asia Cup team stumbles against the Japanese again? There's hardly nothing to worry about as they still have a chance to advance.
They will play the Guamanians next and simply a win would formalize their entry to the continental showpiece set in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this summer.
Guam themselves are bound for a crucial Window 3 as well. Toting a 1-3 record, they would need to sweep both of their assignments - and preferably win via big margin on both occasions - for a chance to reach the Asia Cup for the first time.
If ever that won't pan out, they can still make it to the Qualifying Tournament for Third-Place Teams, which, if they do, would present an opportunity for Coach EJ Calvo and Co. to rewrite their story after what happened in the first cycle.
Looking back, Guam took part in the said tourney and went head-to-head against Chinese Taipei, only to fall short and kiss their hopes of qualifying goodbye.
Before battling China, they will have to go through Mongolia first, a team that's desperate to stay alive after going 0-4 in the first two windows.
FIBA