Yang Hansen's layup lifts China past Lebanon in World Cup qualifier

Yang Hansen scored with 2.2 seconds remaining as China edged Lebanon 89-87 in the second round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Zhuji, Zhejiang Province, on Monday.

China appeared to have the game under control when Zhu Junlong converted one of two free throws for an 87-81 advantage with 22.5 seconds left.

Lebanon scored six unanswered points to draw level, capitalizing on a turnover before Amir Saoud made three free throws to make it 87-87.

With overtime looming, Zhao Jiwei found Yang from the sidelines.

The 21-year-old center maneuvered around his defender and finished at the rim for the decisive basket, before Lebanon failed to score on the final possession.

Yang came off the bench to lead China with 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting, while adding nine rebounds and three assists.

Liao Sanning finished with 18 points and six rebounds, while Wang Junjie contributed 11 points and five rebounds.

China took an early lead before Lebanon responded with a scoring run.

A 9-0 Chinese run then swung the momentum back in the host's favor, and they finished the opening quarter with a 23-14 advantage.

Lebanon cut the deficit in the second period, but China remained 46-42 ahead at halftime.

The visitors found their rhythm from three-point range after the break and moved in front, taking a 69-67 lead into the fourth quarter.

The contest remained tight before China opened up an 87-81 cushion late in the final period, only for Lebanon's six-point rally to set up the dramatic finish.

Omar Jamaleddine led Lebanon with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Lebanon head coach Ahmad El Farran pointed to his team's seven missed free throws as a key factor in a game decided by two points.