China Overtime Comeback
China Rallies Past Czech Republic in Overtime as Belgium Advances at World Cup
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Key Points
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The Czech Republic led 64-59 with 27 seconds remaining, but Luo Xinyu hit a three-pointer and Yang Shuyu tied the game at 64-64 with three seconds left after Eliška Joklová missed two free throws. Joklová then missed another potential game-winning attempt before overtime.
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China’s 19-year-old, 2.2-meter center Zhang Ziyu scored only three points in her second World Cup game, compared with 13 in her tournament debut against the United States. Yang Shuyu said China needed to improve how it played with Zhang on the court.
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Han Xu said China’s late comeback reflected the team’s resilience: “Even the last quarter we lost six points but we never gave up.” She also praised Zhang Ziyu as a post player who can finish at the rim and protect the paint.
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Puerto Rico’s Imani McGee-Stafford scored 25 points in the 76-64 loss to Belgium, which was Puerto Rico’s third defeat to Belgium at a Women’s World Cup.
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The United States entered its game against Italy seeking a 32nd consecutive World Cup victory; its last loss in the competition came in the 2006 semifinal.
China rallied from a late deficit to defeat the Czech Republic 74-70 in overtime at the FIBA Women's World Cup, improving to 1-1 in group play english.news.cn. Han Xu led the charge with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Yang Shuyu tied the game 64-64 with just three seconds left in regulation after the Czech Republic missed free throws. The dramatic comeback showcases China's resilience as it prepares for a crucial matchup with Italy that will likely decide second place in Group D chinadailyasia.com.
In other action, Belgium stayed unbeaten by defeating Puerto Rico 76-64, with Maxuella Lisowa Mbaka scoring 16 points theglobeandmail.com. Star player Emma Meesseman had a quiet game in the victory. Meanwhile, Italy stunned observers by nearly taking down the United States, falling just short 55-52 in a match that ended a 32-game American World Cup winning streak denvergazette.com.
Czech Republic's Late Collapse in Closing Seconds
The Czech Republic controlled most of the game, leading for over 33 minutes and holding a 64-59 advantage with just 27 seconds remaining chinadailyasia.com. But China struck twice in quick succession. Luo Xinyu buried a three-pointer to cut the gap to one. Then Yang Shuyu tied it at 64-64 after Eliška Joklová missed two consecutive free throws. Joklová's potential game-winner in the final seconds also missed, sending the game to overtime.
The collapse proved costly for Czech Republic, which now faces elimination before its matchup with the United States. China's ability to stay calm in crunch moments—despite trailing most of the fourth quarter—will be critical as the team pushes toward the knockout stage.
Han Xu Carries Struggling China to Overtime Victory
Han Xu was the engine behind China's comeback, posting 22 points and 14 rebounds to lift her team past a stubborn Czech opponent english.news.cn. After the game, Xu reflected on the team's mental toughness: "Even the last quarter we lost six points but we never gave up." Her leadership on both ends of the floor demonstrated why she remains one of China's most reliable scorers and rebounder english.news.cn.
Xu also praised young center Zhang Ziyu, calling her a strong post player who can finish at the rim and protect the paint. However, Ziyu's production remains a concern. The 19-year-old 2.2-meter center scored just three points against Czech Republic, a sharp drop from her 13-point debut against the United States. Yang Shuyu noted the team must improve how it uses Ziyu on the court.
Belgium Extends Unbeaten Streak Despite Meesseman's Quiet Night
Belgium remained perfect at the World Cup by cruising past Puerto Rico 76-64, with Maxuella Lisowa Mbaka stepping up to score 16 points theglobeandmail.com. The victory was notable because it came without a strong performance from Belgium's star player, Emma Meesseman, who had an unusually quiet game. The win marks Belgium's third victory over Puerto Rico at a Women's World Cup.
Puerto Rico's Imani McGee-Stafford scored 25 points in the losing effort, but it wasn't enough to upset the undefeated Belgians. Belgium's depth and balanced scoring attack continues to make it one of the tournament's most dangerous teams moving forward.
Italy Ends U.S. Winning Streak in Shocking 55-52 Upset
Italy delivered one of the tournament's biggest shocks by defeating the United States 55-52, snapping a 32-game American World Cup winning streak that dated back to 2006 denvergazette.com. Trailing by 15 points early in the second half, Italy mounted a furious comeback to stun observers and earn respect across the basketball world. The loss marked the U.S. team's first World Cup defeat in two decades.
Italy's upset victory could reshape expectations for the remainder of the tournament. The Italians now stand poised to face China in a critical Group D matchup that will determine the second-place finisher and could have major implications for the knockout round seeding.
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