China outclasses Qatar in FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers second round

China cruised to an 83-57 away victory over Qatar in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Thursday, making a winning start to the second round.

China advanced to the second round after finishing the first round with a 3-3 record, entering Group F in the lower half of the six-team standings.

This game with Qatar was China's first of the second round and a crucial one in the PRC's bid to secure a place at the next World Cup, which will be held by Qatar in August 2027.

The two sides traded the lead several times early in the game.

After two rounds of substitutions, China gradually took control and produced a 12-0 run late in the first quarter to open up a gap.

China went into halftime with a 47-36 lead.

After the break, China continued to dominate attacking play, with contributions coming from both inside and beyond the arc.

The visitors remained firmly in control and steadily extended the advantage before sealing a commanding 83-57 victory.

Five Chinese players scored in double figures.

Yang Hansen led the team with 15 points and nine rebounds.

Hu Mingxuan added 12 points, while Liao Sanning and Zhao Jiayi scored 11 apiece.

Hu Jinqiu chipped in with 10 points.

China head coach Guo Shiqiang said after the game that the victory was important for the team and credited the win to his players' defense, rebounding and tempo control.

China will next host Lebanon on Monday, August 31.