China’s basketball men warm up for World Cup qualifiers with back-to-back losses

Defeats against Uruguay and New Zealand leave Guo Shiqiang’s side with much to think about before they face Qatar and Lebanon next week

The Chinese men’s basketball team were left with more questions than answers after wrapping up their warm-up matches for the Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers with back-to-back losses.

An 84-77 loss to New Zealand in Foshan on Monday was preceded by some mixed results.

A hard-fought 83-78 win over Uruguay in Shunde last Thursday was marred by numerous favourable calls for the home team, before China were thrashed by the South Americans in a 19-point loss just two days later.

The Chinese team now have only 10 days to regroup before they face Qatar in Doha on Thursday next week. China will also play Lebanon in Zhuji on August 31.

Against the Kiwis on Monday, hosts China trailed only 43-39 at half-time, but New Zealand pulled away after the restart, led by as many as 16 points, and never looked back. The visitors also outrebounded China 45-29, including grabbing 18 offensive boards to score easy baskets.

“We practised together for five days before coming to China; I think we practised as a team for four or five times,” said New Zealand forward Jordan Ngatai, who finished with 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals.